Donovan returns to Everton on 2-month loan

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By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Associated Press

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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CARSON, CALIF. (AP) - Landon Donovan is returning to Everton on a two-month loan.

The Los Angeles Galaxy made the announcement Thursday, giving the Toffees some attacking help as they try to climb the standings after a slow start. Everton is 12th in the English Premier League and has just 15 goals in 14 league matches.

“I am delighted that we have managed to get Landon back. He will give us some good experience,” Everton manager David Moyes said. “He did well for us when he was over two years ago and hopefully will return with those same qualities. His season has just finished and like last time we need him to hit the ground running because the games come thick and fast at this time of year.”

Donovan will be available to play starting with the Jan. 4 home match against Bolton and will stay through the Feb. 25 Merseyside derby at Liverpool. He scored two goals in 13 matches during a loan to Everton from January to March in 2010.

“The opportunity to return to Everton and play for such a well-respected club and a manager that I hold in such high regard was something that was simply too good to pass up,” the 29-year-old midfielder and forward said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Everton in 2010 and I’m hopeful that we can experience similar success this time around.”

Donovan scored 16 goals in 34 games for the Galaxy this year, including the one that won the MLS Cup final against Houston last month. He is to return to the Galaxy on Feb. 26, ahead of the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Toronto.

“This is a great opportunity for Landon,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “During the final months of the 2011 season he was limited because of an ongoing injury, and he just started to get his legs back during the playoffs. Therefore, I think that this opportunity with Everton comes at a perfect time as he is rested and ready to go.”