SEAMUS COLEMAN says he has even surprised himself with his early return to fitness – only five weeks after suffering serious ankle ligament damage.

The Irishman was an unexpected inclusion in Everton’s starting line-up against Aston Villa on Saturday, after he was expected to be sidelined for two months with the injury he sustained against Villarreal in pre-season.

Coleman acknowledged his impressive powers of recovery, but said he is now desperate to make up for lost time by persuading David Moyes to pick him again when the Blues face Wigan this weekend.

He said: “I surprised myself to be honest. I was back training on the Monday and had a really good week. Obviously I was trying to impress the manager, he saw fit to put me in and I was more than happy to play.

“It was very frustrating to get injured when I did. I was really enjoying that match against Villarreal, it was close to half-time and then I got that dirty tackle.

“It was disappointing to miss the first two games of the season, but I was suspended for one of those so only really missed one league game through injury if you want to look at it positively.

“When it happened I thought it was broken but you always panic at that stage. I calmed down a bit but it was badly swollen and bruised and we thought I would be out longer.

“There was no exact timescale but thankfully I healed quickly and I wasn’t out for long. I am generally a quick healer and I was itching to get back so I listened to the medical staff and did what they said.”

Just as impressive as Coleman’s speedy recovery was his performance, as his bursts down the right flank set the tone for a high tempo performance from Everton.

The 23-year-old, nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award last term, admits he ran out of gas before being withdrawn late in the second half, but he is focused on stepping up his fitness in training this week ready for another home game.

“It felt great to be back – even just to be back walking out of the tunnel again,” Coleman added. “I was delighted to be back at Goodison and I really enjoyed the game. I just tried to get it down and beat the full-back.

“I blew up a bit towards the end as the five weeks out began to show but I’ll have another good week in training, try to impress the manager and hopefully be involved against Wigan.”