Striker James McFadden made his first competitive appearance in over a year at Newcastle for Everton, and whilst delighted to be back playing ended up on the losing side. The 28-year-old had major knee surgery during his last year with Birmingham and his last league appearance before Saturday came in September 2010.
He told the club's television channel: "It was bitter-sweet to be honest. I have been out for a long time, so it was pleasing to get back out there, but I would have preferred it to be in better circumstances as the result was obviously disappointing.
"I felt alright. I have had a couple of reserve-team games, 45 minutes each, and adrenaline gets you through so it was great to be back, but it was a disappointing result."
Everton have made a disappointing start to the campaign this season but McFadden is confident the club have a good chance to start a positive run of results.
He added: "I think naturally you are going to be down after losing a game. But since I came back here the mood in the camp has been really good. Obviously results have not been great and we are on a bad run.
"The lads are hurting now but we will get back to work and as I said, the mood has been ok and I am sure we will bounce back - we just need that bit of luck we don't seem to be getting at the moment.
"We came to Newcastle with aspirations of winning the game and I think overall we created the better chances - we just didn't get that bit of luck.
"But we will bounce back, we will try and lift the spirits and work hard and there is no better way to start than with the next home game."
