Everton U21 coach Alan Stubbs says Darron Gibson made a successful comeback yesterday.

Gibson, who had been sidelined by a thigh problem, made his first appearance since early September as the Blues' second string were held to a goalless draw by Reading.

"I thought he did great," Stubbs told evertontv. "He's come through the game unscathed so that's a plus point and it's good for him that he's come through it and it's a step in the right direction for his recovery."