Sean Dyche backs 'very unlucky' Seamus Coleman to step up for Everton at Manchester City

Everton manager Sean Dyche has backed his club captain Seamus Coleman to step up to the plate for the trip to Manchester City on Stephen's Day.

An injury-affected campaign has seen the Republic of Ireland skipper make just two Premier League appearances to date this season, with the Donegal man's 16-minute cameo in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Chelsea marking the first time he has featured for the Toffees since August.

But the 36-year-old is likely to be drafted into action on Thursday when Everton meet out-of-form Man City, due to a yellow-card suspension incurred by fellow veteran full-back Ashley Young, who is also nursing a minor neck injury.

Speaking at press conference on Monday, Dyche said Everton would lean on Coleman's experience even if his match sharpness is not at the optimum level.

"He's been very unlucky this season because he's come in and certainly the fittest I've seen him since I've been here and he's been incredibly unlucky with injury," he said.

"He came pre-season super fit. He made it clear to me at the end of the (last) season that he's going again this season - as in playing - we spoke about his other options and he said, 'No, no, I'm clear-minded that I'm going to continue playing'. He signed another contract and he held his end of the bargain without a shadow of a doubt.

"He came back absolutely super fit. He's been incredibly unlucky with injuries. Yes, he'd probably like to have played more this season but with his depth of experience and his game knowledge, that's certainly favourable to be putting a player in of the strength and professionalism that he has."

Dyche added: "(Seamus) is mentally tough as well, he's our club captain for a reason so I've got no doubt in his ability to play and get back to