Landon Donovan thought twice about returning to Everton as he was worried about it not being as successful as his first spell.
Striker hoping to match success of first loan spell
Landon Donovan has admitted he thought twice about returning to Everton as he was worried about it not being as successful as his first spell on Merseyside.
The LA Galaxy midfielder re-joined the Toffees on Friday on a similar two-month loan deal to the one he enjoyed in 2010.
That spell proved to be a huge success, scoring two goals in 13 appearances and playing his part in an impressive run of form that saw the club beat Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, that success made the 29-year-old initially hesitant about returning for fear of failing to hit the heights of two years ago.
"It's like when you make a really good movie," said Donovan. "Do you really want to make the sequel?
"I'm human, so part of it did cross my mind. But that's not living in the present. If you live in the moment, then that stuff doesn't matter.
"Why not try to do something special, and go for it?
Excitement
Donovan's return has been greeted with excitement by the Everton supporters, who have seen their side struggle in front of goal this season.
Donovan though says he is relaxed about dealing with the raised expectations placed on him.
"Expectations are a big part of life," he added. "Last time there was probably no expectation. I just want to be a part of it, enjoy it and hopefully help the team."
Everton boss David Moyes was delighted to welcome Donovan back into the Goodison fold but was keen to warn the supporters not to expect miracles from the American.
He also confessed that there is unlikely to be a flurry of signings in the January transfer window.
The cash-strapped Toffees may once again be restricted to scouring the market for loan deals, but Moyes admits even that proves difficult during the winter window.
"We're delighted to have Landon back, he has trained today and it's easy for him to settle in with a great group of boys here who will make it easy for him," said the Scot.
Rescue
"But anyone thinking he will ride to the rescue on a white charger is wrong. We need realism.
"We've been in the loan market and brought one or two to see if it would work and on some occasions it has and on some it hasn't.
"I'd love to say that there was a few loan signings out there lining up to be brought in but unfortunately there's not, because you tend to find to get a loan. It's somebody who is not wanted at a club.
"That tends to send you abroad, where people haven't been playing or getting any games, so it becomes a difficult market to look into, especially at this time of year, because most clubs would rather sell the players and move them on."
