Last Updated: Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:38
Darron Gibson has made a timely return to action by getting 63 minutes under his belt for Everton's under-21 team against Reading.
The Republic of Ireland international has been sidelined since the 2-0 defeat at West Brom in early September after picking up a thigh problem.
However, he is now well on the road to recovery and his run-out against the Royals' youngsters on Sunday afternoon couldn't have come at a better time for Toffees boss David Moyes.
The former Manchester United midfielder's potential first-team comeback will offset the disappointment of losing captain Phil Neville for up to eight weeks following his knee operation on Friday.
Kevin Mirallas also missed Saturday's Premier League defeat to Reading's senior side due to the hamstring injury he suffered against Sunderland last week.
Gibson looked comfortable and composed in the goal-less draw before being replaced by youngster Hallam Hope, while coach Alan Stubbs was also able to call on the services of experienced centre-back Sylvain Distin, after his omission from the squad yesterday.
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