SHANE DUFFY expressed gratitude to his Everton FC team-mates for helping him post an encouraging home Premier League debut on Saturday.

Duffy was named man of the match by Everton FC manager David Moyes following the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Having made his full top-flight debut the previous week at Aston Villa, Shane Duffy almost marked his latest landmark with a goal when smashing a header against the crossbar late on.

And the Republic of Ireland international, who spent the first half of the season on loan at npower League One side Scunthorpe United, has thanked centre-back partner John Heitinga and Everton skipper Phil Neville for their support during the 90 minutes.

“Playing at Scunthorpe helped as it gives you confidence to be playing and you are improving every week,” said Duffy. “You come here and when you play with better players around you it’s a lot easier.

“And when you are alongside a Dutch international it’s a lot easier. John helped me a lot and so did Phil Neville. I can’t ask for anything more, to be honest.”

Of Saturday’s disappointing draw, Duffy added: “It wasn’t the best of games to be honest but I’m delighted to get my first Premier League game at Goodison.

“It was good to run out, I enjoyed it. I tried to play it like a normal game. I was unlucky with the header, but it was one of those things.

“We were disappointed with the result, we feel this is one of the games we should be getting three points. But we have to get ourselves together and move on to Friday.”

Fulham visit Goodison that evening for an FA Cup fourth round tie, and Duffy admitted: “It’s a massive game. The fans haven’t had much to cheer for this season but hopefully we can turn it around at some stage and kick on.”