Hayden Hackney played for the first 45 minutes of Everton's 1-0 defeat to Stoke City at he Bet365 Stadium on Tuesday evening
Hayden Hackney in action on his Everton debut
Hayden Hackney in action on his Everton debut(Image: Getty Images)
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Hayden Hackney is certain the understanding with his new Everton team-mates will develop after playing his first 45 minutes for the Blues, while he admits he isn't yet fully fit.
Summer signing Hackney started in the centre of midfield at Stoke City's Bet365 Stadium on Tuesday night, showing some impressive touches as he builds up his fitness following a groin injury towards the end of his spell at Middlesbrough.
The 24-year-old insists he is working his way towards being ready for the beginning of the Premier League season in three-and-a-half weeks.
"I really enjoyed it. I haven't played in a while so I'm getting back up to match fitness, I really enjoyed getting back out there," Hackney told Everton TV after the Blues' 1-0 defeat.
"I'm new to the team, we haven't actually played any competitive minutes together, so it was nice to get used to that and I'm sure [our understanding] will improve over time.
Elaborating on his fitness and his introduction to Everton life ahead of a pre-season tour to Germany, Hackney added: "I felt good. Obviously my match fitness is not there yet but that'll come over time, my body feels good.
"All the lads have welcomed me. it's been pretty easy to be honest. I've really enjoyed my time so far and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
"Obviously we'd like to have won this game, but it is all about getting the minutes in the legs. I've got to keep building the minutes up, hopefully 60 and then the full 90 and go from there."
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