Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Southampton (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Dyche is hopeful Dwight McNeil will be available for the trip to St Mary’s and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has had a “small issue”, should also be fit.
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James Garner will be sidelined for weeks with his back injury and has stopped training on the grass in line with medical advice. Dyche added: “It is likely to be beyond a month, I’m pretty sure, but we will see.”
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Striker Beto, who scored against Fulham, has trained well on Thursday and is continuing to work hard as he comes back from injury.
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On Beto’s confidence after scoring: “It is bound to bring a real feel good factor. He’s had his question marks but he continues to learn.”
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Dyche said Everton have “got to perform better than in the last game” [Fulham] if they are to get a result against Southampton.
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Armando Broja is still working with the sports science team but could return to light training next week.
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On whether it is Nathan Patterson’s time to get a chance: “It is time when he is ready to appear in the first team. No-one is holding anyone back here. If you are fit enough and good enough you will play.”
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He said his side are learning to “grind and play our way out of things” to get points from games. Dyche added: “The work myself, the players and staff have put in is beginning to show.”
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