Everton defender Nathan Patterson being fit for tonight's Merseyside derby against Liverpool would be a 'big boost' for the Toffees, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Lowdown: Massive game for Everton

Everton face a crunch Premier League game on Monday night as they make the short trip across Stanley Park to take on the Reds at Anfield.

Sean Dyche's side will be looking to build on last weekend's 1-0 victory at home to Arsenal, with another positive result further suggesting that they could pull clear of danger.

Someone who hasn't been available of late is Patterson, who hasn't featured since the 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton at the beginning of January due to injury.

The Latest: Patterson injury boost

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O'Rourke said having the 21-year-old back in the fold would be great news for Everton if he is available tonight, having been pictured in training at Finch Farm in recent days.

The journalist said:

"It's a big boost for Everton and Sean Dyche; Sean Dyche will want all his best players available for this run-in to try and secure Premier League survival. Patterson, I think, was amongst Everton’s best players in the first half of the season before his injuries, so to get him back in will come as a big boost."

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The Verdict: Extra option for Dyche

Patterson being available would be a major boost for Everton, with the youngster described as an 'amazing' player in the past by Southampton striker and Scotland team-mate Che Adams.

He has already made 13 league appearances this season, averaging three tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, and he is arguably a superior right-back option to the ageing Seamus Coleman, who has only averaged 1.2 and 1.8 respectively.

That being said, Dyche may feel that going with the same team which beat Arsenal would makae the most sense in terms of rhythm and confidence, in which case the £28,000-a-week Patterson could be used as a substitute.

The 51-year-old might also want to hold off on reintroducing the youngster to the starting XI until such time that he is back fully fit following his six-week layoff.