David Moyes insists he will not rush midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger into first-team action for Everton.
The former Germany international has signed a short-term deal until January after impressing during a spell on trial at Goodison Park.
Hitzlsperger, 30, was available to join a club outside the transfer window as a free agent, having been released by Wolfsburg in the summer.
He made only two starts in the Bundesliga last season as he struggled with a knee injury, and has been building up his fitness in reserve games for Everton.
Moyes feels the former Aston Villa and West Ham player has plenty to offer if he can stay fit, but is wary of pushing him too much, too soon.
He said: "I'd be careful of using the word signing when you bring in someone for a couple of months. We wanted to have an extended look at him. He's already been here for about a month.
"He needed the training because he's missed a lot of football. He's been a great lad to have around the place and we're more than happy to give him that opportunity.
"We're not saying what he's going to bring to us. He may come here and not play, we're not sure yet, we just want a longer period to have a look at him, make sure that he's fit and he can offer us something."
