Everton defender Bryan Oviedo is hopeful that the busy fixture period over Christmas will hand him more first-team opportunities this season.

The 24-year-old played all 90 minutes in his side's Europa League defeat to FC Krasnodar, his first match since undergoing a knee operation in October to remove a pin from his previously broken leg he sustained in January.

Oviedo has revealed that he was delighted with his return to action and is determined to play his part for his team over a crucial period of the season.

"I think it's a good opportunity to play games over Christmas because there are so many games," Oviedo told the club's official website.

"I hope to be a part of the team and to help the team. We need to gain as many points as we can because it's very important for us to get back into the top half of the league.

"It's very nice to be back again. It was a difficult game and Krasnodar played very well and made it tough for us. There are many games between now and the end of the year and I think we need to continue working and focusing on the next games."

Everton play Queens Park Rangers in their next Premier League outing on Monday.