Everton reserves coach Alan Stubbs says David Weir has already made a big impact on his return.

The former Rangers defender joined the Everton coaching staff last season - and also played for the reserve team.

"It's been fantastic," Stubbs told evertontv. "That [experience] is something we can't buy. That experience that Davie was giving the likes of Shane Duffy and Eric Dier towards the end of the season is invaluable.

"It's a fine balance because, on one hand, you don't want to take an opportunity away from a young lad. But, on the other hand, sometimes they need someone to hold their hand and Davie provided that at times for them.

"We would never stop anyone from progressing if they were good enough, but at times we just felt it was right for Davie to go in and guide them along."