Everton striker Arouna Kone 'returns from injury in friendly match'

Everton striker Arouna Kone has completed his return from a year-long injury layoff by featuring in a friendly.

The Ivory Coast international played in a behind-closed-doors match, which marked the first time he has turned out for Everton since suffering a serious knee injury last October.

Kone lasted through 55 minutes of the match before being substituted, according to BBC Sport.

The former Wigan Athletic striker has started just one game for Everton since joining the club from the Lattics in the summer of 2013.

Blues boss Roberto Martinez is yet to confirm when Kone will be fit enough to return to the first team.