David Moyes says Landon Donovan has arrived at Everton in good shape, with the American set to be unleashed on English football for a second time.
Toffees hoping loan star will be as successful second time around
David Moyes says Landon Donovan has arrived at Everton in good shape, with the American set to be unleashed on English football for a second time.
United States international Donovan enjoyed a productive loan spell at Goodison Park in 2010, with many Toffees followers disappointed to see him head home.
He is back now, with a second short-term agreement having been put in place with MLS outfit the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Moyes is working to a tight budget during the January transfer window, so loan deals would appear to be the way forward.
Bringing in Donovan may not be considered a risk, as he knows the club and the Premier League, but Moyes admits there is no guarantee that he will be as successful second time around as he was during his first stint on Merseyside.
Qualities
Asked if Donovan had 'hit the ground running' in training, Moyes said: "He looks okay, I have to say, but how can you tell?
"Even though we have seen some football, we have not seen any games yet
"But fitness-wise he is not someone who carries a lot of weight. He is quite lightweight and he looks okay.
"He came before and did well for us - scored a couple of goals, played well and showed some qualities.
"We are hoping over his short time here he will do that again, but we have to remember it's only a short loan.
"He has settled in very quickly, so we look forward to getting him in the game and seeing how he does."
Topsy-turvy
Donovan could make his second debut for the Toffees against Bolton on Wednesday, with Moyes in the process of piecing together plans for what he believes will be a tough test - regardless of the Trotters' standing at the foot of the Premier League table.
"The Premier League is back to the topsy-turvy way it was last year when you didn't know who was winning what," added the Scot.
"Just over the last couple of weeks we have started to see that again. There is no guarantee when you play any games who is going to win or lose at the moment, so you need to go about your job correctly.
"We got three points (at the Reebok Stadium) and it would be great if we could do it again, but there is nothing guaranteed and I wouldn't take anything for granted."
