McFadden thankful for second chance

New Everton signing James McFadden admits he feared his career might be over after a recurrence of a serious knee injury earlier this year.

McFadden pulled on the blue of Everton once more on Tuesday in a reserve outing against Sunderland, marking his first appearance in 13 months.

The Scotland forward was relegated from the Premier League on the final day of last season with Birmingham, and was released by the club following a recurrence of a knee injury which ruled him out of almost all the last campaign.

Speaking to his new club’s official website, the 28-year-old confessed that his future in the game was left far from certain.

“I was training in March and then broke down again,” McFadden said. “When I spoke to the surgeon he said my time might be up – that was hard to take.”

“Birmingham had a two-year option on me but decided not to take it, which was fair enough.”

“It was hard that I didn’t know when I was going to get back playing.”

“It was really hard mentally trying to come to terms with not even playing in the foreseeable future.”

“It has worked out for the best. I will just move on now and try to be fit and ready to play games.”

The Scot left Goodison Park three years ago after slipping down the pecking order, but was eager to join Everton ahead of the likes of Wolves and Celtic when old boss David Moyes got in contact.

“There were a couple of offers but there was some messing about and Everton came in and made a proper offer,” he said.

“It is like coming home. I know the place, the staff and the players.”

“I came here when I was just a kid. I started to grow here and I went on to try to better myself and play consistently in the Premier League.”

“Hopefully I’ve come back a better player.”

McFadden believes he has nothing to prove to anyone but himself as he seeks to rejuvenate his career.

He added: “It is up to me to grab the chance and to show a bit of faith in the manager and show the fans I am good enough to play for Everton again.”

“I am coming here to get fit, get playing and try to enjoy my football and hopefully secure a longer-term contract.”

“You get criticism in everything you do but I need to prove to myself I can come back and do as well if not better than before.”

“I am not on any mission to prove anyone wrong.”