STEVEN NAISMITH enjoyed his first run-out in Royal Blue this afternoon, just down the road from where he caught Everton’s attention.
After international clearance for his signing was finally given last night, the former Glasgow Rangers striker came on for the final 21 minutes at Motherwell.
But he was denied a goal on his debut by a sharp Lee Hollis save as Motherwell came from behind to claim a draw at Fir Park.
Shane Duffy headed Everton into a first half lead, but a sweet Nicky Law half-volley levelled 10 minutes after the interval.
Leon Osman, Apostolos Vellios and Tim Cahill all went close in an entertaining first half, before Shane Duffy celebrated his first senior goal for the Blues after 34 minutes.
Victor Anichebe was still wide left where he had just taken an unprofitable corner, when the ball came back to him.
He curved a much better cross into the edge of the six yard box where Shane Duffy rose above Apostolos Vellios to guide a header back across goal and in off the far post.
Motherwell are just 10 days away from a Champions League qualifier with Panathinaikos and only two weeks from the (Free £25 bet offer) Kick-off of the Scottish League season, but Everton started more positively.
Fellaini showed some great footwork to pass out wide to Cahill, who got to the byline, crossed left-footed and Osman did well to arrive late and power a header narrowly over.
Motherwell openings came largely of Everton’s making.
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