Everton boss Roberto Martinez believes Darron Gibson will have an extremely positive influence on the team next season.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder was sidelined for most of the 2013/14 season with a knee injury which was a major blow to the Toffees but Martinez is expecting him to be a massive part of the squad at Goodison Park next term.
"Darron has been a big miss for us," Martinez told the Liverpool Echo. "He has not been forgotten internally.
"I know when you don't play as a player you get a little bit out of the limelight but I'm very excited about Darron's contribution next season.
"He's exactly the type of midfielder we need. Gareth Barry and James McCarthy have been fantastic but we could have done with Darron being fit and ready.
"He is looking sharp. He wanted to be involved in the final game of the season but we would have been taking a little bit of a risk to do that - but I'm pleased to say he will start pre-season in great condition and ready to fight."
