Everton boss Frank Lampard says Nathan Patterson is back for their clash with Fulham.

Patterson has been sidelined since September due to an ankle injury sustained while in international action for Scotland.

Patterson has been training over the last week and is now ready to be involved in the squad at the weekend, representing a major boost for the Toffees. Offering an update on the young defender on Thursday afternoon, Lampard told reporters: "Patterson is back in the squad for this weekend.

"We haven't really had too many periods of a clean bill of health, and most teams don't, but we've had multiple important players out at times.

"To try and get consistency in selection and form, fitness is a crucial thing."