Hughes on encouraging Ings display

After a number of chances in the first-half, which included a stunning save from Jordan Pickford at point-blank range, Ings pounced to make it 2-1 and give Saints hope after the interval.

And while taking away precious points from Goodison Park was the priority, Hughes noted a positive individual contribution.

“Danny looked sharp and could have scored in the first-half but it’s actually a fantastic save having seen it since. I thought it was just a close-range miss but he’s actually saved it so credit to their ‘keeper,” Hughes said.

“We got him off and running in the second-half so for him coming to a new club, as a striker you want to get off the mark very, very quickly and that’s what he has done so that’s a positive.”