Everton right-back Seamus Coleman says he finally feels like a footballer again after ending his injury turmoil and making his comeback on Tuesday night.

Coleman played an hour for Everton Under 23s in their Premier League cup tie win over Portsmouth.

It was the 29 year-old’s first appearance since suffering a double leg break for the Republic of Ireland against Wales in a World Cup qualifier last March.

Now the defender is hoping to force himself into contention for a senior appearance.

“I’ve been looking forward to that moment for the last few months, just being able to get the kit on, doing up the shin-pads, rolling my socks up and walking out there,” said Coleman.

“It was great to be able to feel like a footballer again – it’s a fantastic feeling.

“I knew tackles and things like that were never going to be a bother. That one was more for the few fans that were here that there are no psychological effects.