DAVID MOYES has praised the professionalism of Everton FC winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – and is confident the Russian is capable of putting a “difficult” period behind him.

Earlier this month, reports from Bilyaletdinov’s homeland suggested the 26-year-old was unhappy with life at Everton and looking for a move away in the January transfer window.

It has been claimed Bilyaletdinov fears limited first team opportunities with Everton will harm his chances of being selected for next summer’s European Championships.

But with Royston Drenthe injured for Saturday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers, Bilyaletdinov was selected to play on Everton’s left side and the former Lokomotiv Moscow man turned in an encouraging performance in the 2-0 win.

Signed for around £9m in the summer of 2009, Bilyaletdinov’s future at Goodison Park remains uncertain but Moyes says he continues to work hard in training and proved his worth to the team with his display at the Reebok.

Having been the victim of David Wheater’s mistimed challenge, which saw the Bolton defender sent off, Bilyaletdinov recovered and laid on the assist for Marouane Fellaini’s early second half strike which put the away side ahead.

Moyes admits the Russian has sometimes struggled to deal with the pace of the Premier League, failing to take the chance to impress, but the Everton manager now hopes he can use the weekend as a platform.

“Bilyaletdinov sometimes he doesn’t get enough credit,” said Moyes.

“He’s actually a boy who is desperate to do well, a really conscientious worker.

“He did quite well early in the season, but then I decided to make some changes and he missed out, and he was really unlucky in that sense.