Joel Catesby of Everton U21s during the EFL Trophy match at Bradford City. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Everton academy midfielder Joel Catesby provided Finch Farm with a massive boost as he made his return from an horrific injury.

The teenager broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in the Under-21s’ defeat to Bradford City in the EFL Trophy back in October. Team medics popped the ankle back into place on the night and he underwent surgery at Aintree hospital days later.

That early response over his ankle was said to have limited the potential severity of any ligament damage but it has still been a long road to recovery.

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Catesby made his long-anticipated return to action by starting in the 1-1 draw at Birmingham City on Friday afternoon. The 19-year-old was involved in several positive pieces of play before being withdrawn at the break for Braiden Graham.

Tait, whose side rescued a draw in difficult conditions with a late equaliser from defender Luca Davis, later said the return...