Everton defenders Sylvain Distin and Phil Neville have hailed the return from injury of Kevin Mirallas.

The Belgium international had spent the last few weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring complaint.

However, he returned as a substitute against Southampton last night and went on to earn a number of plaudits for the performance that he put in.

"We need players like Kevin. We don't have a big squad so we feel it when we miss one or two big players," said Distin. "It's important to have those kinds of players fit and available. We need him."

Meanwhile, captain Neville tweeted: "Nice to c miralles back tonight-he will be difference for us in 2nd half of season."

Mirallas joined the Toffees last summer from Greek side Olympiakos.