Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has asked boss Sam Allardyce to treat him fairly on his return from a long-term injury layoff.
The 26-year-old is expected to be in contention to face Burnley in the Premier League next weekend, almost a year on from last featuring at first-team level.
Funes Mori hopes that he is given a chance to fight for a regular spot in the starting lineup, much like Yannick Bolasie and Seamus Coleman, who themselves have had to battle back from prolonged spells on the sidelines.
"It's difficult when you're injured and a new manager comes in," he is quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo. "It's tough because you want to show what you can give to the team and to the club.
"But he knows every player, I think he has given opportunities to every injured player that's come back so I am waiting for that opportunity also.
"Of course it's difficult, being injured for a long time. It's tough but I had support from my family and I'm very strong mentally. I'm very happy to be fully fit, and I'm looking forward to joining the team."
Funes Mori was tipped to be involved in Monday's Under-23s clash with Leicester City, but he was left out of the 18-man squad for the 2-1 defeat.
Daniel Lewis
