Jack Grealish has finally broken his silence after a turbulent few weeks.

The 31-year-old missed four games in a row after reporting in sick for the defeat at Arsenal and then being dropped for a breach of club discipline.

But on Thursday, he played the full 90 minutes as Everton beat Derby County 4-1 in a behind-closed-doors game at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and he followed it up with an apology on Instagram.

“I want to apologise to the fans and everyone at the club for not being able to help the team the last few weeks,” he wrote. “I love playing for this club and can’t wait to be back playing in front of you guys in an Everton shirt. See you all soon.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Grealish will be reintegrated into the team straight away, but Jay Bothroyd thinks he’s been used out of position anyway.

Jay Bothroyd says Jack Grealish ‘isn’t a winger anymore’

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Jay Bothroyd believes Jack Grealish is ready to put the whole saga behind him. “Jack Grealish has apologised before and then slips up again,” the former Cardiff and England striker said. “But I genuinely think this will be the final time. I think he knows what’s at stake here.”

Then, Bothroyd gave an interesting view on Grealish’s actual playing position when he comes back. “I don’t think Jack Grealish is a winger anymore,” he said. “I really don’t, because he doesn’t have the pace, and I think in this game today, you have to be quick. You have to be quick in them wings to be successful there.”

“I would like to see him play more of a central role. I don’t know how that would be with Dewsbury-Hall there. He’s playing out of his skin.”

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has made the No.10 role his own, and is arguably Everton’s best player. He’s a big reason why Everton are creating more big chances than at any point in the last 10 seasons. According to FotMob, he’s created 22 chances in the Premier League this season, including seven big chances. Only Pascal Gross and Morgan Gibbs-White, with eight each, have created more. There’s no way Grealish is displacing him.

Instead, he’ll have to regain his spot on the left flank, but given Tyrique George’s impressive performances this season, that won’t be straightforward either.