Thursday 12 November 2015 07:58, UK
Everton defender Leighton Baines scored on his return from a six-month injury lay-off in the behind-closed-doors friendly victory over Preston North End on Wednesday.
The England international, who underwent two separate operations to cure an ankle injury initially suffered in May, played the full 90 minutes at the Toffees' Finch Farm training ground.
As well as scoring, Baines provided an assist for Arouna Kone to net in the 4-3 win over the Championship side.
Leon Osman and Steven Naismith also got themselves on the scoresheet for Everton.
Ahead of his comeback match, Baines spoke exclusively to Sky Sports and admitted he is facing a fight to reclaim his spot at left-back, with youngster Brendan Galloway currently in fine form.
"Brendan's been brilliant, there's great competition back there for us," Baines said.
"It's always nice to have people around who are pushing you. So that's another thing I've got to be motivated by really, and I plan on being in the best shape possible, putting myself forward and it's up to the manager from there."
Baines could make his first-team return against Aston Villa at Goodison Park on November 21.
