Everton skipper Phil Neville has paid tribute to LA Galaxy captain Landon Donovan for his time at the club.

The 29-year-old was greeted by zealous applause and chants of 'USA, USA' from a sell-out Goodison crowd when he took to the pitch following the Blues' 2-0 win over Blackpool.

"Last time he came here, he lit the place up," skipper Neville told evertonfc.com. "He came back this time a couple of years older and with more expectation on his shoulders. He was really on a hiding to nothing and I think this time he's performed even better.

"I know how he felt when he had to miss the game. He was devastated. It was just nice that he could thank the fans for a tremendous two months."