Everton striker Sandro Ramirez has expressed his delight at having made his competitive debut for the club during Thursday's Europa League qualifier against MFK Ruzomberok.
The summer signing from Malaga was given an extended break following his exploits at the Under-21 European Championships, but came off the bench just past the hour mark during the Toffees' 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
Many were expecting a more resounding victory for a new-look Everton side which has seen heavy investment this summer, but Sandro is confident that they will improve before the start of the new season.
"We are still in pre-season and we still need to work on getting that little bit of match sharpness we need. There is still a while to go before the first league game of the season and we will find that level of fitness and that sharpness that we want. We still have a couple of weeks to go," he told the club's official website.
"But I feel good in myself. There is still a lot of hard work to go. I think my teammates are a little bit ahead of me but I am getting there and I feel sharper and sharper. I am very happy and really pleased with how my debut went. It was my first competitive game for the club and to make it at home was fantastic.
"What I hope I can do is repay that confidence that the fans are showing in me. I will do that with lots of hard work - I can promise that - and hopefully lots of goals as well."
Sandro scored 16 goals across all competitions for Malaga last season.
Barney Corkhill
