Jack Grealish APOLOGISES after being dropped for missing training without permission as Everton star continues comeback trail in behind-closed-doors game

Jack Grealish made his first Everton appearance since being suspended for missing training as he helped a scratch XI beat Derby County 4-1 in a behind closed doors friendly at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The 31-year-old continued his reintegration into David Moyes’s squad on Thursday after returning to an individual training programme last Friday.

Grealish was dropped following a breach of club discipline, and apologised to the fans on Thursday evening after an important first step towards returning to the set-up.

'Nice to be back out there with the boys today after a few good days training!' Grealish wrote. 'I want to apologise to the fans (and) everyone at the club for not being able to help the team the last few weeks.

'I love playing for this club (and) can't wait to be back playing in front of you guys in an Everton shirt.

'See you all soon (blue heart)', Grealish finished, before sharing pictures of himself in action.

Jack Grealish made his first Everton appearance since being suspended for missing training in a behind closed doors friendly at the Hill Dickinson Stadium

Grealish, previously pictured out with a friend, was exiled by Everton but is now set to return to training with the team

Grealish had initially cited illness for missing the club’s trip to Arsenal but after Everton confirmed he had breached discipline, Moyes left him out of the Everton squad for two games against Newcastle United followed by the 3-1 win over Coventry City on Friday.

Thursday’s appearance against Derby was his first in a blue shirt since the 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea on October 17.

Charly Alcaraz scored twice, with 16-year-old Jonathan Nsangou and Christian Norgaard adding the other two in a game that also provided valuable match minutes for Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney, Merlin Rohl, Michael Keane, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and goalkeeper Tom King.

Derby had taken the lead through Lars-Jørgen Salvesen.

Moyes has refrained from giving too much away on Grealish’s situation beyond saying: ‘He's unavailable at the moment and we will make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back.’

He did however confirm the door was still open for his return.

Grealish is trying to rebuild his career on loan at Everton, having fallen out of favour at City despite costing the club £100m in 2021.

Grealish is reported to have gone on consecutive nights out after attending the Pride of Britain Awards on October 19

Grealish, who played a key role helping City win the 2022-23 Treble, will be out of contract at the end of the season.

He scored twice in 22 games for Everton last season during a loan spell which was cut short by injury.

The midfielder returned to the club for a second loan spell this season but had only made six appearances before falling foul of club discipline.