Yannick Bolasie is setting his sights on returning to Everton action in December.
The winger has spent the previous six months on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury in the Blues’ draw with Manchester United last year.
A collision with Red Devils striker Anthony Martial ended both Bolasie’s afternoon and what had been a promising debut season at Goodison Park.
But the 28-year-old believes the injury has been a learning curve and will help develop his game in the long term in returning to action before the end of 2017.
“Getting back in December would be the best Christmas present. A player like me always wants to be on the pitch,” he told The Mirror.
“When I looked at the videos of the injury – before I got the results – you think it is only something small.
“But, for some reason, I had a feeling this injury was going to be long-term. I’ve had two operations, but that was the plan.
“Strangely, I think that having this injury will give me the composure that I have been looking for. I know that will take my game to another level.
“I am going to be subconsciously more cautious with any sharp movements, but that should improve my game massively.”
Everton coped without Bolasie, qualifying for the Europa League but the DR Congo international is still sure he can contribute to the team next term.
He added: “If I was playing this season, I could help the team push for the top six really hard.
“The Everton fans have seen what I can do at Crystal Palace – but not what I can do for them.
“When I came to Everton, I wanted to help the team get into Europe. They have done it without me, but I know what I can bring to the table and it is something different.”