James Garner has admitted he returned from injury too early and is now striving to get back to 100 percent fitness. The Everton midfielder underwent groin surgery during the summer and it was expected that he might miss the start of the season.
However, the England international returned in time to come off the bench during the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season. Garner has since featured in every game Everton have played so far this season, and opened his account for the campaign during the 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United on Thursday night.
Garner admits early return
While reflecting on the goal, the former Manchester United man admitted he probably returned to action too soon. He said: "It's always a good feeling when you score a goal. Unfortunately, I don't score enough, which I need to start doing, but to score a goal and to put the team on the front foot is a good feeling.
"Good performances and even something small – like a goal – does boost your confidence. I just need to stay positive.
"I know I came back really early with my injury – probably a bit too early – but that just shows the type of person I am.
"I want to be there for the lads, and that's what I have done. I'm pushing every single day to be 100 percent, and I hope everyone can see that."
Carabao Cup progress
The Blues return to Premier League action tonight when they take on Newcastle at St James' Park. But after Thursday's victory over Matthias Jaissle's side, a League Cup quarter-final tie against Fleetwood Town now awaits Everton next month.
Garner admitted: "It was important for us to get the win and to go into the next round.
"I think if we would have heard at the start of the competition that we'd be in the quarter-finals and facing Fleetwood, we would have taken it.
"So, it's a real chance for us to actually do something with this cup. It would be amazing for us as players, as a team, as a club, and for the fans as well, to hopefully go and bring some silverware back here."
Barry's impact
Garner opened the scoring for Everton on Thursday night before Hayden Hackney added a second just before the break. Thierno Barry's 69th-minute strike then killed off the contest and took the Frenchman's tally to seven goals in 11 appearances so far this season.
Barry was also on target as Everton claimed a 3-2 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park last season. When asked about the forward's return so far this campaign, Blues boss David Moyes said: "Sounds good that, doesn't it? Say that again will you.
"I'm really pleased for him. He's got some limitations but he's trying his best to make them better and get better.
"We're very short in that area. We did consider making a change (on Thursday night) to see if we could do something else, but we stuck with it and he's got a good goal, so I'm pleased for him."
