Everton boss Roberto Martinez was delighted with Darron Gibson's return for their draw at Sunderland.
Gibson, who ruptured his cruciate ligament on international duty with the Republic of Ireland in October last year, played 77 minutes as a substitute after replacing Gareth Barry at the Stadium of Light, and could be in for a lengthy run in the team.
Martinez said: "That's important, obviously. Darron is still working hard to get to his best level of match-fitness because he has been out for nearly a year with the injury he picked up with the national team, the Republic of Ireland.
"But you saw him today, he's a phenomenal passer of the ball. He's got an incredible technical ability and it's great to have him in the team.
"That's why you need a large squad full of quality. It gives you really good competition for places, and that's what you need."
