Everton transfer news: Bryan Oviedo ‘praying to God for patience’ as he looks to force move away from Goodison Park
Costa Rica star wants to leave Toffees this January but Ronald Koeman expects him to stay until summer
BRYAN OVIEDO says he is eyeing a move away from Everton in search of regular first-team football.
And the Costa Rica international admitted he prays for patience in his despair at being left on the sidelines.
Oviedo played 19 times last season, the best total in his injury-hit Toffees career. But he has made just six appearances for Ronald Koeman's side this term.
Keep up to date with ALL the Everton news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Oviedo, who arrived from FC Copenhagen in 2012, is under contract until 2019, but is tempted to leave Goodison Park during the summer.
The 26-year-old said: "This is the most difficult time I have had at Everton when I have not been injured. I've not even been on the bench for the past two months.
"The manager has told me it is a tricky situation, but said he needs attacking players - so I just have to wait.
"It is hard for me, as you never prepare yourself NOT to play. You want to be involved and taken into account.
"In the past at least I had the chance to come on as a sub under previous managers David Moyes and Roberto Martinez. Koeman calms me down a bit by telling me it is not my fault I am not playing.
"I ask the good Lord to give me patience, so I do not give up hope.
"I think about the option of joining another club, where I could play more regularly. The problem with Everton is that I'm not playing matches.
"But I am happy at the club in other respects. The coaches have faith in me, they have said they will consider me just as before, and told me I just need to be patient.
"It will be very difficult for me to leave in January, as the manager has told me he needs me until June as a second option if Leighton Baines does not play.
"I will wait until May to see if I am getting more of a chance.
"Everton won't let me leave easily, as my agent has spoken to the chairman - and he said they want me to stay as long as possible.
"The Premier League is particularly closely-fought this year. We want to finish near the top to win a place in Europe - we have wanted to qualify for the Champions League right from the start."