Anton Peterlin joined Everton in the summer of 2009.

The American was a surprise arrival from California side Ventura County Fusion.

He impressed David Moyes during a trial earlier in 2009 and the Blues signed him on a one-year deal that summer.

A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Peterlin has Danish and Slovenian parents and holds dual American and Danish nationality.

Almost six feet tall, he counts players such as Roy Keane, Marcos Senna and Patrick Vieira as his heroes - not surprising given his favoured defensive midfield role on the pitch.

He joined up with Everton during their pre-season training camp in Scotland in July 2009.