The Belgian has been sidelined since February after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in the Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield, an injury that required surgery and was expected to keep the player out for six months.

The 22-year-old is still some weeks away from being considered for a first-team outing, but said yesterday: “I have no pain, I am happy.”

Meanwhile, Leighton Baines hopes Everton can reap the benefits of his World Cup disappointment.

The left-back missed out on a place in England’s final squad for the tournament in South Africa when manager Fabio Capello trimmed his initial 30-man party to 23.

The only consolation for the 25-year-old was that he was able to begin his summer break earlier and he hopes that shows when the Premier League starts next month.

Baines said: “Hopefully there will be positives to come out of a negative and I’ll feel fresher come the start of the season.

“The summer is always nice and enjoyable. You relax and spend some time with the family – I think everyone enjoys it.

“I put my feet up and fully relaxed during those four weeks but, now it is coming to an end, I think everyone is ready to come back. I’ve had a nice few weeks’ break but I was more than happy to come back and get training again.”