Leighton Baines was happy to be back for Everton on Saturday.

Baines had missed the Blues' three previous games with a calf injury but came through the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa without any problems.

Left-back Baines told evertonTV: "The game was there for us to win, Tim (Howard) has probably made one save all game so we are disappointed not to win.

"I think we are evenly matched but Villa will go home the happier."

Nevertheless, being involved in the game was infinitely more enjoyable than having to watch from the stands, as the former-Wigan man has had to do in recent games.

"I think that is how a lot of the lads feel," said Baines when asked about the torture of having to miss games. "Myself and Ossie, for example, have both picked up injuries at a similar time and we have both been frustrated throughout the week.

"Watching the lads struggle a bit is tough but it's good to be back and have things in your own hands.

"I've not missed much so I felt okay and I came through the game okay."