Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia was delighted to be back for their FA Cup 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

It was Virginia's first Everton appearance since March 2021.

"It makes me feel confident about myself, but I have to stay grounded and keep working hard," he told evertontv after the match. “It's been a long time since I played here. I think I'm doing the right stuff at the training ground, and that's why [the manager] picked me today.

“I would love to play at Goodison with the full crowd!

“I was buzzing to get back into the team. It's been a long time and I've been away, but I've been doing the work right, so I could get a chance.

“All I could do was keep the team in the game, and that's what I did. I felt really good about it. Our supporters were there right by my side. I felt their support and I thank them for it.

“They travelled down in these conditions – very wet, and a very long drive. We'll take the game to Goodison and, for sure, they'll back us up."