Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that Nathan Patterson returning from injury is a 'massive boost' for Everton and Frank Lampard.

The Lowdown: Fulham return

Patterson made his return from an ankle injury in the 0-0 draw away at Fulham in the Premier League last weekend, playing 26 minutes after missing the last five games (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match at home to Leicester City this evening, Lampard has confirmed that Patterson is now 'ready to start', meaning that he could earn his starting place back off of Seamus Coleman.

The Latest: 'Massive boost'

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that having Patterson back available from the off is a 'massive boost' for Lampard and the team:

“I think getting that stability and longevity back in the defence is a plus for any manager.

“Patterson is that player. Coleman has served his time and has done a job with his experience, but when you’re looking for that energy – it’s got to be Patterson.

“It’s going to be a massive boost for Lampard and for the whole team.

“He’s coming back at the right time. Coming back just before the break lets him get back in the swing of things and get that continuity back for the rest of the defence.”

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The Verdict: Great timing

To have Patterson back and playing games is great timing ahead of the break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

It means that the Scotland international can get back up to match speed and sharpness before returning after the break, and given that his country did not qualify for the tournament, he can stay behind and get extra training sessions in at Finch Farm so that he is fully fit by the top-flight's return on Boxing Day.

Patterson has ranked as the Toffees’ fifth-best performer in the division so far this season, and no player in the squad has averaged more tackles (3.5) per game than him (WhoScored).

Some of his performances, in particular, have really stood out, notably in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool in September, when journalist Paul Brown claimed that he was ‘absolutely tremendous’, ‘phenomenal’ and ‘one of the best players on the pitch’.

Nonetheless, Lampard should consider throwing the £28,000-per-week gem back into the starting line-up against Leicester, assuming that he is fully fit.