Barry Horne: Landon Donovan’s deliveries have come at just the right time for Everton FC

Jan 28 2012 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo

I WAS delighted when Landon Donovan renewed his ties with Everton in the New Year. But at the same time I told Evertonians not to expect a great goalscorer, not to anticipate a trick merchant and not to hope for a winger who would dribble his way around two or three defenders.

I did say, however, that Blues fans could expect a player who would consistently deliver the right ball at the right time, the right cross when it mattered most.

And that’s just what happened last night.

Denis Stracqualursi and Marouane Fellaini will undoubtedly dominate the headlines with the goals they scored, and I’m delighted for both of them, especially Denis with his first goal for the club.

But while Donovan’s contribution will be less heralded it was nonetheless just as influential.

His cross for Stracqualursi’s header was beautifully and preciesly delivered, and his ball in for Fellaini’s winner was equally impressive.

That kind of delivery can make a difference to Everton’s entire season for the three months that he’s here.

Donovan (left) gave our season a little extra impetus, an injection of momentum the last time he came here.

And he is capable of doing the same again this time around.

His efforts last night mean that we can all sit around our TV sets on Sunday afternoon with a sense of excitement.

I know just what an FA Cup can do for an Everton dressing room, and I hope this current crop of players get to enjoy that sensation once again.