Proud Beattie hails battling Toffees

JAMES BEATTIE epitomised the spirit and bloody-minded defiance that is finally back in Everton’s armoury.

Down to 10 men from the ninth minute with rookie ‘keeper Iain Turner sent off on his league debut after a daft rush of blood that saw him handle outside his box, Everton proudly emphasised the virtues that took them to a shock appearance in the Champions League by finishing fourth last season.

They produced a performance of guts, driven on by a howling crowd that turned creaking Goodison Park into a bear pit again.