By Chris Kirwan
July 3 2003

David Moyes welcomed back his first team squad at Bellefield today, and one face in particular was the focus of attention. Alex Nyarko has returned to the club to resurrect his career with the Blues after failing to net a move to France.

Alex Nyarko spoke to www.evertonfc.com about his return to the club. The Ghanaian international was quick to state that he is more than happy to see out the remainder of his contract with the club. He declared: "I am happy to put the shirt on again, yes”, but in reality a return was the only option for both parties.

Both Everton and Nyarko were hoping for a bidder to come in, but that hasn’t materialised and the only option was for the player to be reintegrated into the first team squad. Moyes has declared that he his not interested in the history of Nyarko as long as he show the commitment that he expects from all of his players, stating: "We will be fair with him as we will with all the other players.“. Only if that happens can Nyarko be considered a genuine squad member.

Moyes’ efforts to bolster his midfield have been well documented this summer, but very few expected it to be ‘strengthened’ in this manner. Where Nyarko slots into the pecking order is yet to be seen, but it has to be presumed that he is behind all of those who represented the club last season.

The goal that Nyarko scored at White Hart Lane and a preseason where he and Alexandersson ripped up their opponents still lingers in the memories in some who jump to conclusion that he is better than the midfield workhorses currently on Moyes’ books. But the question has to be asked of why neither Monaco nor PSG took up the option on Nyarko. Infact Nyarko also had some ‘issues’ at PSG.

For now the safer option would certainly be to stick with the unspectacular but honest play of Gemmill, Tie and Carsley. All that Nyarko can ask is that he is given a chance to prove his worth, and all Everton can ask is that he is wholehearted in his efforts. Then, and only then, may first-team action become a possibility for the Ghanaian.

The official site: "Nyarko: I'm ready"
The official site: "Moyes welcomes back Nyarko"