Everton manager Roberto Martinez is backing midfielder Darron Gibson to play a part for the Toffees this season as the Irishman makes his return from injury.

The Blues boss is wary of rushing his player back, however, given the pace of the Premier League.

"We need to remember that Darron has missed a long time out injured," Martinez is quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo. "Now he's fully fit, he's ready to perform, it just about making sure we give him the right time to get that match fitness that you need, especially in the Premier League where the transition of the game is so fast.

"He brought great forward passing and I thought everything that was good about Republic of Ireland on the ball, he was involved with. He looked like someone who is fully fit, strong and ready to kick on again. That was a real positive of him joining up with the Republic of Ireland this week.

"He's ready to come back and make an impact here now. It was important for Darron to play in a game situation, in a competitive game. Even though it was a friendly, when you play at international level every action matters and I was very, very pleased."

Another player Martinez has been impressed by is John Stones, who made his first start for England earlier this week.