An LA Galaxy player comes back to Europe and makes a massive impact for his team prior to making what could be a major impact in the World Cup in South Africa. What odds would have been given for that player to be Landon Donovan?

The US all-time leading goal-scorer has left an indelible mark on Everton, to such effect that David Moyes made several attempts to secure the American on a permanent deal. It wasn’t to be and the forward has returned home to rejoin Galaxy and prepare for the World Cup. But a previous failure in Europe has been forgotten and the man who has played more than 120 games for his country will be held in much higher esteem when England met the USA in South Africa.

The loss of Donovan has been tempered by the return to fitness of Louis Saha who has missed a hat-trick of games with a damaged hamstring. Leon OSman has also come back into contention for a first team recall after recovering from a groin injury. Given his recent history of injury crisis, Moyes will be relieved to only have Marouane Fellaini as a longer term absentee.