Antolin Alcaraz has revealed his delight after making his Everton debut in the 2-1 win over Southampton at the weekend.
The centre-back joined the Toffees from Wigan Athletic in the summer, but had to wait for his first start after picking up a hamstring injury at the beginning of the season.
"It's been a very long wait for me to get involved, so it was a nice way to come in and play my first game at home. The result and the support was great," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"It has been a difficult time but every player goes through tough spells and I'm happy now it's behind me and I can enjoy this moment with the team.
"I think it was a good game. They were a nice side that played some quick football but we made the best of it and got the three points."
Fellow centre-back Phil Jagielka, meanwhile, is expected to miss the next month with a hamstring injury.