Everton boss Sean Dyche was pleased with Andre Gomes' performance in defeat at Tottenham.
Gomes scored as Everton lost 2-1 on the day.
Dyche said: "He's only just back in and around it.
"He played a full 90 minutes [for the Under-21s] to lock in being able to take it. I wasn't expecting him to come on that early in the game. I've said all along I can see a future for him at the Club and that I want him around the group, but he'll have to earn it like everyone else.
"He's had a really tough time but to see him out there today was terrific and I thought his performance was excellent once he got into the swing of the game. He was very, very good."