Everton FC’s Magaye Gueye is willing to be patient in his bid to nail down a first team place at Goodison.

Oct 10 2011 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

MAGAYE Gueye is willing to be patient in his bid to nail down a first team place at Goodison.

The French U21s international has found it difficult to progress from the fringe of David Moyes’ first team squad into a regular performer.

But the 21-year-old midfielder, who signed from Strasbourg in July 2010, insists he has been trilled with his reception by Everton fans and is desperate to show them what he is capable of more frequently.

Injuries last season and at the start of this campaign have tempered his progress but the attacker, who made an energetic cameo in the Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion, is refusing to be downhearted.

He said: “It was great to be back on the bench for the Villa game and I might have to be patient and be on the bench for a few weeks as I try and win a place in the team.

“I am waiting for my chance, I am working hard every single day and trying to impress the boss and making sure I am ready for when he needs me.”

David Moyes referred to Gueye as his “secret weapon” last term, and the Frenchman is setting his sights on tasting Goodison Park action soon.

“It would be great to get on and play at Goodison again,” he said. “I have not played very much yet – only a few games – but the supporters have been really good to me. I like their passion and I want to go out and do well for them.”

Meanwhile, Everton’s U18s secured a draw in the academy derby against Liverpool on Saturday courtesy of a late Chris Long equaliser.

Liverpool had taken the lead through a first-half penalty at Finch Farm but Everton had plenty of chances before striker Long’s injury time intervention.

The Blues had early chances through Anton Forrester, Jake Bidwell and Hallam Hope but were left reeling 10 minutes before half-time when Liverpool took the lead from the spot after Tyias Browning was adjudged to have felled Raheem Sterling.

England U17s midfielder John Lundstram hit the post from 25 yards out, Jordan Barrow’s header was cleared off the line, and finally Long reacted quickest in the penalty area late on to secure a share of the spoils.

Elsewhere, Everton’s on loan players experienced mixed fortunes over the weekend.

Left-back Luke Garbutt created a goal in Cheltenham’s 2-1 win over Dagenham and Redbridge. While Jose Baxter also contributed an assist, setting up Tranmere’s goal in their impressive 1-1 draw at high-flying Charlton.

But defender Shane Duffy and Scunthorpe were on the end of a shock home defeat to Leyton Orient at Glanford Park.

UP TO 700 people attended a meeting of Everton supporters group the Blue Union in Liverpool on Saturday.

The fans gathered at Zeligs restaurant at Liverpool ONE, to watch a presentation on Everton’s finances and business performance in comparison with Tottenham Hotspur, and listen to a speech by former Blues boss Howard Kendall.