Nicky Barmby's glittering career had taken him to Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool and Leeds United.
Everton, wonderfully rugged and desperately unfortunate, may privately concede their chance has gone.
Everton could have pulled back a mere consolation via the penalty spot, however, Tom Heaton stretched to save Nick Chadwick's attempt.
Ruddy became Everton's fourth keeper in five games and second league debutant in 10 minutes.
They go to west London eager to erase the pain of last Saturday's 3-0 Derby day defeat at Everton.