David Unsworth says James McCarthy has been a “great” player for Everton – and “will be in the future as well”.
Midfielder McCarthy returned to the Toffees team for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea, having not kicked a ball since appearing as a substitute in the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on 5 March.
The Republic of Ireland international, signed from Wigan Athletic in September 2013, last started a match when the Blues thumped Bournemouth 6-3 back on 4 February.
But, after overcoming the knee injury which has sidelined him this term, McCarthy was typically industrious and combative during his 64 minutes on the pitch in the capital, with the 26-year-old's incessant chasing and harrying setting the tone for Everton's energetic performance.