James McFadden’s big fear

Above: James McFadden feared his career was over before he rejoined Everton

James McFadden feared his career was over before he rejoined Everton.

The Scotland striker, nicknamed Faddy, played his first match in 13 months yesterday when he had 45 minutes for the Toffees reserves against Sunderland.

The situation looked bleak at the end of last season when he broke down during rehabilitation from cruciate knee ligament surgery and was released by Birmingham.

He said: “I was training in March and broke down again. When I spoke to the surgeon he said my time might be up. That was hard to take.”

McFadden turned down offers from Wolves and Celtic, but added: “Everton came in and made a proper offer. It’s like coming home.”