VIDEO: Sigurdsson scores stunner from close to halfway line for Everton

Gylfi Sigurdsson opened his Everton goal account in some style during a Europa League qualifying clash with Hajduk Split on Thursday.

The Iceland international offered an early return on the £45 million investment made in his talent with a stunning effort which helped the Toffees into the group stage of Europe’s second-tier competition.

Everton already held an advantage heading into the return date of their continental clash in Croatia, but ensured that there would be no shredded nerves by collecting a 1-1 draw – allowing them to prevail 3-1 on aggregate.

Ronald Koeman’s side did fall behind late in the first half but offered the best possible response within 14 seconds of the re-start, with Sigurdsson firing home from some 45 yards out.

Sigurdsson was forced to stretch to reach a loose ball after stealing possession just inside the Hajduk Split half, but sent a spectacular effort sailing over Dante Stipica.

Much of the build-up to the game had been dominated by Wayne Rooney’s retirement from international football with England, but the experienced frontman was happy to surrender the limelight on the night.