McFadden targets return
06 Apr 2007 - 09:51:12
Everton striker James McFadden has vowed to help secure a UEFA Cup place for next season after returning to fitness following his recovery from a broken foot.
The Scotland striker has been cleared to resume first-team action after missing almost three months with a broken metatarsal picked up in a freak training ground accident.
McFadden had formed a useful partnership with Andrew Johnson prior to his injury in January and has now targetted a return to the starting line-up and a top-six finish in the Premiership to secure European football for next season.
The former Motherwell forward could be in line for a place in the squad for Monday's trip to Bolton Wanderers.
"My foot is all right and it is good to be back playing," he revealed. "Now I want to be involved in the race to get into the UEFA Cup.
"The rehabilitation went as well as can be expected and we gave it an extra week to make sure everything was all right and it has paid off because it feels great.
"I didn't imagine that I would feel this good so soon, so it is up to the manager.
"We have got a lot of games coming up and hopefully I can get back in sooner rather than later.
"We have got this push for European football and hopefully I can be a part of that."
