Merseyside-born Mark learnt his trade with the Toffees and, after progressing through the youth academy, established himself as a regular captain of the reserves.

He spent time on loan at Stockport during the 2005/6 season, scoring his first senior goal for the Latics.

In January 2007, he joined Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee, spending two years with the Cobblers before accepting the chance to link up with former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler at Australian A-League side North Queensland Fury.

Mark was named the Fury's Player and Players' Player of the Season at the end of his first campaign Down Under, but saw his time there come to an abrupt end when the club went out of business shortly after. He returned to the north west of England and signed on with Bury.