Donovan picked Everton's January best

Landon Donovan has been picked as Everton's player of the month for January for the second time in three years. The American midfielder, on his second short-term loan to the Toffees from the Los Angeles Galaxy, assisted on five of Everton's eight goals in January. He added another assist last weekend. Donovan, who received the award on Tuesday night, completes this loan with Saturday's fifth-round FA Cup match against Blackpool. ''It feels good,'' Donovan told Everton TV. ''I think there was a point in January where no one was too happy with the way things were going, but the last few weeks have been a welcome change and a lot better, and it's been a lot more fun to be a part of, for sure.'' Highlights included a 1-0 Premier League victory over first-place Manchester City. ''Any time you can beat the leaders it's a pretty special night,'' Donovan said, ''and my dad was there that night, so it made it a little extra special for me.'' Two years ago, Donovan scored two goals in 13 games during his first loan to Everton. ''It has a lot of similarities, the way it feels, to the first time,'' the 29-year-old told Everton TV. ''I don't think anything will replicate that first trip here, but I've really enjoyed it. It's been a little easier in a way because I know the people, I know the roads, I know the area.''