Jack Harrison says he is hoping that both he and Everton can gain some momentum following his return to fitness, full debut and the Blues’ two successive away wins.
The 26-year-old, a season-long loan acquisition from Leeds over the summer, made his first start for the Toffees in tonight’s impressive 2-1 win at Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup, logging 65 minutes to add to the 45 he managed for the Under-21s last Friday.
Harrison hadn’t played since injuring his hip playing for his parent club last May but he showed no signs of rust as he played his part in a team performance that was full of energy and tenacity and which hustled out of their rhythm a Villans side who had won their previous 10 matches at home.
The winger was instrumental in helping lead the press and almost came up with a wonderful assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin but the striker was first foiled by goalkeeper Robin Olsen and then the tightness of angle as he hit the side-netting from the rebound.
“It was nice to get back out there,” Harrison told evertontv afterwards. “I thought the fans were great tonight.
“I was saying last week when I was watching them on TV that they’re so loud, they’re the only people I can hear!
“It was brilliant. Experiencing that on the pitch was really nice, and I had a really nice reception coming off, so I’m grateful for the fans tonight.
Hopefully I can continue on with this momentum now. I’m excited to have the 60 minutes in the tank, but I’m excited to keep cracking on and get used to the system and the team.
“I created a good chance for Dominic and it was good to familiarise myself again, being back out there, and getting used to the system too.
“There are more opportunities [in the coming weeks] to hopefully get some more results and really build some momentum.
“I think we have some great, talented players, and when we’re organised like that, we make it really difficult for teams.”
Having made such a strong first appearance under Sean Dyche, Harrison will have put himself in the manager’s thinking for a home debut in front of the Goodison faithful this weekend when Everton host newly-promoted Luton Town.