Everton manager Roberto Martinez is ready to be patient with Leandro Rodriguez.

The 22-year-old Uruguayan was signed from River Plate Montevideo for an initial fee of £500,000 in the summer and could quite possibly feature against Reading in the Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday.

Of Rodriguez, who Martinez describes as a 'street footballer', the Toffees boss said: "Leandro is ahead of his development but he needs space and time to get used to the physicality of the British game so nothing has changed for him. What has surprised me is how quickly he's adapted to being effective here.

"The first action against Preston with the under-21s he puts a header away at the back post. The first attack he had against Sunderland with the under-21s he's clinical enough to take the chance.

"It shows he's ready in terms of his mindset and the way he is as a footballer, but physically he has a big step to go. Nothing has changed with the target we have for Leandro.

"He's a street footballer because he takes what the defender gives you."