Everton attacker James McFadden has dedicated his goal against Middlesbrough today to former teammate Phil O'Donnell after the Motherwell captain's tragic death.

McFadden told evertonfc.com: "It was difficult today, especially at the start of the game. It has been a big shock to me but for some reason I knew I would score today and I knew I would be dedicating my goal to Phil and his family. It is my way of showing them I am thinking about them.

"I had met him a few times and he was always a nice fella to me. I know his family members very well and it is shocking to me what has happened."

Everton boss Dave Moyes also remarked: "I played against Phil when he was a young player starting out in the game and I met him a few times through the Scottish connections.

"It's tragic that a man with a young family can go to play a football match and not come home again.

"Faddy knew Phil well from his Motherwell days and Alan Stubbs played alongside him for a couple of seasons at Celtic.

"The thoughts and prayers of us all here at Everton are with Phil's family at this dreadful time."