Demarai Gray says Everton's players will take the positives from Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest and use them as a platform to build on as they head into the final crucial months of the campaign.  

The attacker returned to the starting XI at the City Ground to make his first start under Sean Dyche and was tasked with leading the Blues attack. It wasn’t an easy assignment against the home team’s experienced defensive duo of Joe Worrall and Felipe.  

Gray battled hard, though, and rewarded his manager with a well-taken goal from the penalty spot inside the opening 10 minutes.   

Gray also played a hand in Everton's second goal of the game, delivering the initial ball into the box from a free-kick that was eventually nodded home by Abdoulaye Doucoure. 

“It’s obviously a difficult role being up there alone,” admitted the forward to evertontv. “But I know my attributes can cause teams problems and to score the penalty was a confidence boost for me.   

“I have not been in the starting XI these past few weeks, but whether I am on the flanks or central, I will give 100 per cent. It’s nice to get a goal and it is a point on the board which is important."

Everton led twice in Sunday’s breathless contest but ultimately had to settle for a point. Gray admits doing so was a tough pill to swallow, especially given the attacking intent shown by the away side in what is a tough environment to pick up points. Nottingham Forest have not lost a league game at the City Ground since September.

Despite not holding on for victory, Gray recognises there were plenty of positives from the performance that Everton can build on going forward.   

“It was a disappointing result in the end,” he added. “I thought we did well to take the lead. We started the game well and had to ride the wave a bit because they had a lot of possession and put pressure on us. But we defended well.   

“The goals we conceded could have been prevented, but it’s a point on the road and we have to build on that.   

“We knew it was going to be difficult (going to Forest). I have played here many times. It’s never been easy; the fans get behind them. Their attackers have been a threat to many teams all season.   

“When the game got stretched, they caused us a few problems and punished us on two occasions but there are a lot of positives to take. We worked hard, showed desire and we deserved more.  

Gray added: “Since the gaffer has come in, there have been improvements and results. There has been a lot of talk about our away form and on a different day, we take all three points.   

"There are positives to take and now it’s about going back on the training pitch to keep building.”