Norwich's Steven Naismith earns Goodison cheers despite helping beat Everton
Wednesday 21 September 2016 11:39, UK
Former Everton forward Steven Naismith received a standing ovation at Goodison Park on Tuesday despite helping Norwich claim a shock EFL Cup victory.
Naismith, who netted the opening goal in the Canaries' 2-0 win, spent four years at the Merseyside club before he moved to Carrow Road in January.
The Scotland international was applauded by all sides of the ground on his return and Norwich manager Alex Neil was not surprised by his reception.
Naismith remains a fan-favourite at Everton thanks to his industrious displays on the pitch and social conscience off it.
The 30-year-old is no stranger to charity work and helps homeless centres in Liverpool and Glasgow. He regularly bought tickets for Everton home games to donate to unemployed people across Liverpool during his time with the club.
"The reaction sums this club up. Everton is a magnificent club with magnificent people," Naismith said.
Naismith has also launched a project in Glasgow to help injured service personnel back into mainstream employment and is an ambassador for Dyslexia Scotland.
"It was weird for myself but the fans have been magnificent to me throughout and I wouldn't have expected anything else. I couldn't have wished for a more special way to score," he added.