Everton defender Johnny Heitinga has welcomed the return to fitness of Stephen Pienaar.

Pienaar is returning from a knee injury and Heitinga was delighted to see his old pal back in action.

"If I had to try to take a positive I would say that Stephen Pienaar played well for us, particularly in the second half," he said.

"I've played with him for Ajax and I know he's a quality player who will help us a lot now he's over his injury."