Wayne Rooney and Everton's new guard fail to light the blue touchpaper on first showing at Goodison Park

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As Everton became the first Premier League club to make a return to competitive football this season, all eyes were on one man. 

But as Wayne Rooney took to the field against Slovakian outfit Ruzomberok for his first appearance at Goodison Park since rejoining his boyhood club, he was joined by a clutch of new faces following a busy summer for Ronald Koeman.

Defender Michael Keane, midfielder Davy Klaassen and full back Cuco Martina all made their bows in the Europa League third qualifying first-leg tie, while striker Sandro Ramirez appeared from the bench with half an hour to play.

Wayne Rooney couldn't find the goal that would have made for the perfect return to Goodison 

Michael Keane is one of Everton's marquee signings but will have more challenging days 

But much like the returning prodigal son, they failed to light the blue touchpaper on an evening that was supposed to herald a new age on Merseyside. 

Rooney hustled and harried, but was unable to provide the magical moment he and the home fans both craved, his eagerness apparent as he hurried his efforts in front of goal, losing his composure at the wrong moment. 

And on a night of expectation, the performances of others suffered too, with Everton stuttering to a 1-0 victory courtesy of Leighton Baines second-half strike.  

Keane is a landmark signing for Everton, a signal that they can attract the best players on offer in England. 

Cuco Martina's arrival at Everton went under the radar but his first appearance was assured 

Signed from Premier League rivals Burnley for £25million, he was bought with the intention of helping his side withstand tougher nights than this. 

It was far from a carefree evening though, with the defence caught out on a couple of occasions and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg called into action to keep out that crucial away goal.

Cuco Martina, on the other end of spectrum that heralds the arrival of big-money signings, arrived on a free from Southampton and his low-key arrival was matched by his low-key debut.  

Klaassen was afforded warm applause after an industrious display when he was replaced by Tom Davies just four minutes before the end.

Davy Klaassen put in an industrious display and linked up well with his new team-mates 

The Dutch midfielder, signed from Ajax, did his best to endear himself to the Goodison faithful, forging a couple of sights on goal with some clever link up play with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Sandro Ramirez came off the bench to inject a touch of urgency into the Toffees' play for the final 30 minutes, but couldn't take either of the half-chances that fell his way. 

His impact was obvious, and only his honesty prevented a clear opportunity for a second goal when he stayed on his feet after rounding a keeper at full stretch.

It is that kind of honesty and determination that Everton fans will hope to see more of as their new-look side continues to gel.  

Sandro Ramirez made an impact from the bench and showed honest to stay on his feet