Everton defender Sylvain Distin has compared Jack Rodwell's return from injury to having a new signing at the club.

The midfielder took part in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win at Morecambe after he had missed a number of months of last season with a persistent hamstring problem.

"Having Jack back is like a new signing," Distin told the club's official website. "When you miss someone for that long and then get them back it is the equivalent of signing a new player.

"Fingers crossed he can now stay injury free and we will have him for the whole season.



"I have seen him in pre-season and seen all the work he has done and he is looking strong."

Everton kick off the new campaign at home to Manchester United on Monday, August 20.

Written by
Jack Prescott