**David Moyes has explained James Garner’s surprise involvement in Everton’s 2-0 opening-day victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.**
Garner had been expected to miss the game after undergoing a hernia operation during the summer.
Moyes said before Saturday’s match that the midfielder was still working his way back, but Garner was named among the substitutes and replaced Hayden Hackney after 79 minutes.
The [Everton](https://ReadEverton.com) manager has since admitted that Garner would probably not have been involved had more of his midfield options been available.
Christian Nørgaard was not fit enough to face Palace, while Tim Iroegbunam was ruled out after suffering an adductor strain during pre-season.
Garner’s return was nevertheless a welcome development for a squad which remains short of midfield cover.
The 25-year-old was able to complete the closing stages as Everton protected the two-goal lead established through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry.
His involvement also provides Moyes with another possible option for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Preston North End, although Everton will need to manage his workload carefully following surgery.
Harrison Armstrong and Hackney started together against Palace and both impressed. Armstrong helped create the opening goal by winning possession from Daniel Muñoz before finding Dewsbury-Hall.
Garner is not yet ready to start regularly, but returning earlier than anticipated should reduce some of the immediate pressure on Everton’s midfield.
Further updates on Nørgaard and Iroegbunam will be required before Moyes decides how heavily he can rotate at Deepdale.