Match-winner Andros Townsend insisted everyone is fighting for Everton as he praised Rafa Benitez and the Club's medical team for his timely return in the Blues' 3-2 FA Cup victory at Hull City.

Everton put their name in the hat for the fourth-round draw courtesy of Townsend's cracking 20-yard finish nine minutes into extra-time at the MKM Stadium.

The visitors had to battle back from going a goal behind in the first minute as Demarai Gray and Andre Gomes made it 2-1.

Hull then forced extra-time as Ryan Longman levelled, only for Townsend to have the final say when he collected the ball and sent a dipping effort into the top right-hand corner for the winner.

It was a dramatic comeback for Townsend, who had not featured since 12 December after breaking a bone in his foot at former club Crystal Palace.

Benitez singled out the winger in his pre-match press conference on Friday for his eagerness to play again and help Everton turn around their fortunes.

And the 30-year-old summer signing paid tribute to the Blues' staff for helping him to get back out on the pitch to make a difference.

"It meant a hell of a lot," said Townsend. "Anybody who knows me knows that I’m a terrible patient when I’m injured.

"I needed to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

"Thanks to the medical team and the manager I was able to do it today safely and help this team into the next round of the Cup.

"I think one thing we can say is that we’re still fighting.

"It seems that in every game this season we have given ourselves a lot of work to do.

"We’ve gone behind early or conceded a goal. One thing this team does have is character.

"When we cut the mistakes out of our game, I think we can go on a run and pick up some points in the league."

The Blues can now look forward to Sunday's fourth-round draw, with Townsend insisting the competition remains important to the Club's bid for silverware and European qualification.

And the goalscorer is hoping the return from injury for the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison - who scored more than 50 per cent of Everton's goals last season - can help them rediscover their impressive early-season form, too.

"I think that is what this Club needs," added Townsend.

"We need to get into Europe, whether it’s in the league or the cup.

"Unfortunately, we went out early doors in the league cup but listen, we’re getting players back.

"We have a big squad and hopefully we can go far in this competition and get back to winning ways in the league as well."