Coleman had not kicked a ball since he suffered a season-ending knee injury away to Leicester City in the Premier League in May.

He resumed full training with the club three weeks ago and was deemed fit enough to start for their U21 side in a game at home to Manchester United on Saturday.

As planned, Coleman played the first half and was replaced for the second 45 minutes in a game which United won 3-1.

The Toffees’ U21s play again on Tuesday, in a Football League Trophy tie against Mansfield Town, and if the Donegal man plays in that and suffers no setbacks, he could be back in contention for first team action next weekend.

“People are getting fitter and sharper, we have people coming out of injury, Séamus got a little runaround today, he’s getting fitter,” manager Sean Dyche said after the 1-1 draw with Brighton.

Meanwhile, Preston captain Alan Browne has been praised for his display as he claimed his first goal in 10 months in a 3-2 win over Coventry City.

“That’s what good captains do. They lead by example. There are times when he wants to do too much, which is just him and I have to pull the reins on him a bit because he’s everywhere. But, that’s what leaders do and that’s what good footballers do.

“When you wear your heart on your sleeve, then those are the performances you put in,” Preston boss Ryan Lowe said of Browne, who had not scored since January.

“He does that on a continual basis. We want that to continue, not just from the captain. Hopefully the goal can kick him on.

“He has been playing in different positions and he’ll be disappointed he’s not got more, but if he keeps performing the way he is then the goals are irrelevant. If he can score and assist then great, but just as long as he keeps performing the way we want him to