The Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas praised Everton's Mason Holgate for an 'exceptional' recovery that he made against Celtic this morning.

The Lowdown: Everton win on penalties

After a 0-0 draw in normal time, the Goodison Park outfit beat the reigning Scottish champions 4-2 on penalties in a friendly in Sydney between the two teams during the break for the World Cup in Qatar.

Michael Keane, Tom Cannon, Nathan Patterson and Anthony Gordon all scored their penalties in the shootout, the former netting the winner, and although young Stanley Mills missed his spot-kick, it did not matter in the end.

The Latest: 'Exceptional' Holgate recovery

Taking to Twitter, Thomas praised Holgate for an 'exceptional' recovery that he made midway through the second half as he outmuscled his opponent Jota and got back in time despite giving him a head start.

The reporter tweeted: "Exceptional recovery from Holgate. Tarkowski inadvertently flicks the ball over the Everton defence, setting Jota free on goal. Despite the Celtic man having a head start, Holgate recovers and the outmuscles his opponent, who then brings him down."

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The Verdict: Still an option...

Holgate has only played £70,000-per-week defender is still an option for Everton.

The Merseyside club brought in Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the summer to try and solidify their defence, and although those two have begun well at Goodison Park, the Toffees have shipped nine goals in their last three outings.

The break presents Lampard with another chance to assess his squad and potentially make changes ahead of the league season resuming, with Holgate one player who may now get a look-in after his performance.