Wigan Athletic defender Paul Scharner admits he was flattered by summer interest from Everton, though admits he doesn't have the fondest memories of Goodison Park.

"Duncan Ferguson elbowed me in the neck three times and I was beginning to get a bit angry," he said. "I swore at him in Austrian and I know he couldn't possibly have understood it. Even so, he suddenly swung round and thumped me in the stomach. He got sent off, but I began to appreciate how he earned his reputation as a hard man. It was a nice punch, I have to say.

"It was flattering Everton wanted to sign me, but there are things want to achieve with Wigan. The gaffer told me he was aiming for place in the top half of the Premier League, and I believe we can do it. It was what I wanted to hear. Positive thinking."