Donovan Is Player Of The Month

On-loan American star snares January gong.

Landon Donovan has been named Everton's Player of the Month for January.

The American received his award at a special dinner at Liverpool's Hilton Hotel on Tuesday.

Donovan, whose second loan spell with the Club comes to an end after Saturday's FA Cup visit of Blackpool, was a clear favourite for the prize after providing the assists for five of Everton's eight January goals.

After turning out for a second Blues debut in the 2-1 home defeat against Bolton, the 29-year-old made his first telling contribution by setting up John Heitinga's early opener in the 2-0 FA Cup third round victory over non-league Tamworth.

Later in the month his excellent through-ball allowed Victor Anichebe to secure a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa before he helped David Moyes' men pick up another point with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn.

The US international was then the star of Everton's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round win over Fulham - setting up efforts for Marouane Fellaini and Denis Stracqualursi - and he capped his month by laying on Darron Gibson for the only goal against title hopefuls Manchester City.

"It feels good," Donovan told evertontv on receiving his award. "There was a point in January where no-one was happy with the way we were playing but that changed and in the last few weeks it's been a lot more fun to be a part of."

"The Manchester City game stands out," he added. "When you beat the leaders it's always special and my dad was there to see it too, so it really meant a lot to me."

The player of the month lunch was sponsored by SE Investments.