Travers' Takeaways From Debut & First Week At Everton

Mark Travers – fresh from his debut appearance for Everton – has reflected on a “really good” first week at the Club – and says he believes there’s an exciting future ahead for the Blues. The 26-year-old goalkeeper – the Toffees’ most-recent signing – spoke to evertontv after Saturday afternoon’s 1-0 pre-season defeat at Blackburn Rovers. David Moyes’ side held strong periods of possession throughout the friendly fixture, but couldn’t find a leveller after new Blackburn arrival Dion De Neve struck the hosts into an early lead. Despite an Everton team – still within the early stages of the pre-season – understandably yet to reach peak performance, Travers produced an eye-catching display, making several important stops in his maiden appearance for the Club. “It’s really good to get 90 minutes under my belt,” he said, speaking after the game. “I'd say it’s a disappointing result, but we're still early in pre-season. The lads are just getting their fitness levels up. I'm really excited to get my first game early in pre-season and I'm looking forward to the rest of pre-season now. “It’s nice to be involved and contribute. I made some good saves. Of course, you'll always be disappointed not getting a win, but it's good to be on that pitch and build those minutes.” The Republic of Ireland international only joined the Blues on Tuesday, but says he’s already enjoying his time on Merseyside. “It's been really good first week,” he continued. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the new teammates, all the new staff, and as I say, they've all welcomed me in so well." The third addition amongst Moyes’ squad this summer, Travers arrives ahead of the Club’s first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium. It’s a promising time to be a Toffee, he added, explaining: “It's really exciting. It’s a massive team. Coming to Everton, it's the fans, the fan base and the passion they show. It's really exciting to be involved with that. “I'm looking forward to giving everything I can and working as hard as I can for the fans and this club. “It's been great, obviously, coming and signing here, chatting to the manager and Dave (Lucas) as well, the goalie coach, and really positive stuff from them. “They've shown a lot of belief in me, so I'm really excited to be an Everton football player and I'm really looking forward to working hard and giving everything I can. “I'm new in the building the last week, but I can definitely feel that [positivity]. I've seen the stadium, how incredible that is. “I think that will just give everyone a lift. The fans coming in for the new season there as well will be incredible. We'll just keep working as hard as we can the next few weeks and building up for that season opener."