BEN Gibson insisted there was nothing sweet about his first Premier League appearance for Burnley despite marking the long-awaited game with a goal.

Gibson joined the Clarets from Middlesbrough in the summer and made two Europa League appearances before a hernia problem sidelined him and eventually required two operations to fix.

The defender finally made a Premier League appearance on Boxing Day against Everton but it was a horror show for the hosts, who conceded three times inside 22 minutes and went on to lose 5-1.

Gibson's goal shortly before half-time gave Burnley hope but Lucas Digne and Richarlison made sure of the points for Everton.

Asked if it was a bittersweet afternoon, Gibson said: "Just definitely bitter to be honest with you, a goal doesn't really change anything.

"We're just disappointed with the performance, the result, one that we're really not happy with. We're in a position where we have to pick up wins and points and move forward quickly. It's not a day I'll remember too fondly.

"Three goals in 20 minutes, you can't give teams like that, of this quality, in this league, that type of head-start. We've got to go away and analyse it, learn and make sure that we are better at the weekend.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to get three points and it's one that we have to take."

Sean Dyche stuck with three centre-backs, drafting Gibson in alongside Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, and the 25-year-old had some good moments individually, but as a whole the defence was well short of what was required.

Gibson is hoping to keep his place for Sunday's home clash with West Ham, which has taken on even greater significance after Wednesday.

He said: "That's the aim. But it's not about me or individuals, it's about getting the club up the table and that starts with getting a result this weekend.

"It's been a tough start being injured for quite a while. It's not the start that anybody wants and I've been itching to get out there. I just want to help make an impact at the club and with the team."