Norwich City boss Alex Neil felt the warm reception Steven Naismith was given by Everton simply shows the great character of the man.

The former Toffees forward scored Norwich's opening goal in their eventual 2-0 win in the third round of the EFL Cup at Goodison Park, with home supporters applauding their former player.

Of the positive treatment Naismith was the subject of, Neil said: "I think it speaks volumes of Steven as a lad.

"It doesn't happen for every player when they go back, a lot of them get booed and get stick. They obviously hold him in high regard.

"He's a really good lad, he works extremely hard, he's honest and I think certainly most fans, if there's an honesty about a player and you know that he's going to give everything he's got, then they appreciate that.

"I thought it was a great touch for him that he got that reception."

Naismith, with the aid of a slip, scored over Everton keeper Maarten Stekelenburg in the 41st minute before Josh Murphy added a second on 74 minutes for the Canaries.