'It's hard' - Joao Virginia makes admission over Everton transfer and Jordan Pickford challenge

Joao Virginia believes he is reaping the benefits of turning down a move away from Everton during the summer and hopes to feature in his side’s upcoming FA Cup fixtures.

Virginia returned to Goodison Park at the start of the summer after spending last season on loan at Cambuur SC. The goalkeeper made 18 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch side.

Speculation, however, remained about the 24-year-old’s Goodison future, but following the departure of Asmir Begovic, Virginia was rewarded for his impressive form away from the club with a new deal until June 2025.

The Portuguese put in a man-of-the-match performance in Wednesday’s 1-0 third-round replay victory over Crystal Palace with a string of good saves, with his interventions late on helping secure a home fourth-round tie against Luton Town next weekend.

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Speaking after the game, Virginia revealed he had to make a decision in the summer whether to stay at the club, but he believes his choice to remain, not even opting for a loan, has paid off.

He said: "Obviously, at the end of the season, the club came to me and we sat together to make a decision on my future. They gave me the opportunity to be the number two here at Everton.

“For me, it was a step up because I've been away for two years and when I was here three years ago, I was No. 3, so it was a great opportunity for me. I hoped to get some game time and it's turning out to be a great decision, to be fair."

Virginia’s best stop came in added-time when the 24-year-old made himself big to thwart Jeffrey Schlupp's header at the back