Everton manager Frank Lampard hopes Nathan Patterson will be fit for their clash with Fulham next week.

The 21-year-old picked up an ankle injury with Scotland back in September that left him facing a race against time to recover before the World Cup break but he is now close to a return.

Patterson could again be challenging the Republic of Ireland international for his spot by the time Everton go to face Marco Silva's Fulham at Craven Cottage a week on Saturday.

Lampard said: “He's progressing, he's training with us and will be fit hopefully for next week."