Pienaar welcomed back to Everton by defender Baines

The return of talented midfielder Steven Pienaar to Everton for a loan spell from Tottenham has been welcomed by the South African’s former colleague Leighton Baines.

The 29-year-old returned to Goodison Park on transfer deadline day and started Saturday's 1-1 draw against Wigan.

And Baines revealed that he enjoyed having the tricky winger up ahead of him once again.

"We didn't take any time to get back into that familiar pattern because he is just a good player," Baines told the club's official website.

"I have been texting him since the day he left to see if he was coming back, not just deadline day. He makes a massive difference to us.

"When he trained for the first time on Friday, he changed training. That shows how good a player he is.

"It's his ability to take the ball in any situation, he never loses the ball and the worst case is he wins you a foul if he is struggling. He is such an intelligent player. He is probably the best player I have ever played with because he is so selfless as well."

 

Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on Everton