Segundo became David Moyes’ second signing of the 2008/09 campaign when he joined on a season-long loan from Red Star Belgrade.

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder is an Ecuador international and played for his country in the 2006 World Cup.

He started three of his country’s games in Germany, including their 1-0 second round defeat to Sven Goran Eriksson’s England.

Castillo, known to his parents as Segundo Alejandro Castillo Nazareno, began his career in his homeland with Club Deportivo Espoli and later El Nacional.

Although a defensive midfielder he quickly forged a reputation for his notable willingness to attack, helping El Nacional to back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006.

In the summer of 2006 Red Star Belgrade brought him to Europe and he repaid their faith, guiding them to a League and Cup double in his debut season.
 
In total he made 72 appearances for the one-time European champions, scoring 18 goals.

Before securing his move to Goodison Park the South American had a trial with Blackburn Rovers, and was also rumoured to be attracting the attention of Wigan.

Castillo started his first game against Stoke in September and scored a screamer on his home debut against Standard Liege just four days later.

But he remained a bit-part player and was a regular on the substitute's bench all season long before returning to his parent club at the end of the loan.