Everton boss Ronald Koeman on Sunderland's new signings & why he was impressed by Southampton defeat

Oviedo was a long-term understudy to Leighton Baines on Merseyside, the England international set to make his 300th Premier League appearance against the Black Cats this weekend.

The Costa Rican has quickly established himself as first-choice on Wearside, brilliant against Crystal Palace and one the Black Cats better performers against Southampton.

Darron Gibson completed 81 minutes on his full debut in that game after falling firmly out of favour under Koeman at Goodison Park, relegated this season to appearances in the League Cup and Checkatrade trophy.

The Dutch boss has back their decision and said they will receive a good welcome on Saturday.

He said: "It's always special for the player [returning]. They took the decision to go to Sunderland for more game time, I think that was a good decision, a good choice for both players. They will get a respectful welcome. If they play, OK, they will do everything they can to win the game. There will be no friends during the game, everyone is involved in their own team."

Koeman has also said that he will not be taking the side bottom of the league for granted.

Sunderland have won just once in ten games across all competitions but the 53-year-old felt the Black Cats were the better side in the first half against the team he led to a record high Premier League position last season.

Southampton's first goal came against the run of play and via the arm of Manolo Gabbiadini, the Italian's second a hammer blow right on the stroke of half-time.

Koeman said: "In the last couple of days I watched the Southampton game, the final score was 4-0 to Southampton but the first half Sunderland was the better team."