A stoppage time own goal by Joleon Lescott ensured an important 2-1 win for the hosts, almost 40 minutes after their hot headed Nigerian youngster John Obi Mikel put them up against it by earning himself a red for a cynical challenge on Phil Neville.
"With the small squad and all the problems - the injuries and the red card - the players deserve credit for the way they played," Grant beamed. "They showed spirit and character. I'm proud of them.
"We want everybody with us but we showed what we can do. You need to do that when you miss players. You have to pay attention to the small details.
"It's not easy at Goodison Park but it's not easy against us either,” said the Israeli looking ahead to the second leg. “We have the advantage although it does not guarantee anything.
"If we play like this 11 against 11 we have a good chance."
The defending Cup holders will travel to Everton for the second leg on January 23.
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