Seamus Coleman’s lack of Premier League action this season won’t deter Everton boss Sean Dyche from throwing the Ireland captain into Thursday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The Toffees boss believes his veteran full-back is both mentally and physically strong enough to cope with the demands of this week’s St Stephen’s Day clash.
It will be Coleman’s third Premier League appearance this season and only his second star if, as expected, he gets the nod.
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Dyche is missing Ashley Young through suspension for the trip to the Etihad, so has little choice but to turn to the Donegalman.
Not that he has any concerns about Coleman’s ability to hit the ground running.
Coleman came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of Everton’s scoreless draw with Chelsea last weekend, his first appearance since their 3-2 defeat at home to Bournemouth on August 31.
And Dyche said: “He's been very unlucky this season because he's come in and certainly the fittest I've seen him since I've been here and he's been incredibly unlucky with injury.
“He came pre-season super fit. He made it clear to me at the end of the (last) season that he's going again this season - as in playing - we spoke about his other options and he said, ‘No, no, I'm clear-minded that I'm going to continue playing’.
“He signed another contract and he held his end of the bargain without a shadow of a doubt.
“He came back absolutely super fit. He's been incredibly unlucky with injuries.
“Yes, he'd probably like to have played more this season but with his depth of experience and his game knowledge, that's certainly favourable to be putting a player in of the strength and professionalism that he has.
“(Seamus) is mentally tough as well, he's our club captain for a reason so I've got no doubt in his ability to play and get back to true fitness.”
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