Hayden Hackney has revealed how patience was key to his first Everton goal.
Hackney opened his account for David Moyes’ side as they booked a place in the Carabao Cup quarter finals with Thursday’s 3-1 win against Newcastle.
The midfielder made only his second start of the season for the Blues in the game despite a strong debut display on the Premier League’s opening day.
Moyes has publicly exercised caution over Hackney’s immediate first-team prospects since his £24.5 million arrival from boyhood club Middlesbrough.
He found himself behind Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl in the battle to partner James Garner in the engine room prior to the Magpies’ midweek visit.
“Obviously I started the first game (against Crystal Palace) and then I’ve been on the bench for a while,” admitted Hackney.
“But I love being back out there, really enjoyed tonight.
“The lads have been good so I can’t really complain. I’ve been working hard and when the chance came, hopefully I’ve took it.
“I felt like I did [start well] but it’s just one of those things.
“You’ve got to be patient, respect your teammates as well, which I always will do, and hopefully take your chance when you get it.
“I think just every day in training, that’s what you have to do. We went on an unbeaten run so he (Moyes) couldn’t really change the team.
“Like I said, the lads were doing really well so no complaints from me. I kept working hard and just waited for my chance.”
Hackney was in strong demand prior to agreeing to join Everton, with Tottenham and Manchester United among those credited with an interest.
But the 24-year-old admits that he already feels at home on Merseyside.
He added: “If I’m being honest, it’s been perfect.
“All the lads have took me in really well. I feel part of the group. They’ve been so good with me, every day in training.
“The staff, everyone at the club’s been really good with me so I feel like I’ve settled in really well.”