Manuel Fernandes admits he is "really happy to be back" as he prepares for his second Everton debut against Wigan at The JJB on Sunday.The midfielder returned to Goodison Park last week on loan from Valencia, but his international clearance did not arrive in time for the Portuguese star to play against Manchester City on Saturday.

But as Everton face two vital games in four days, Fernandes could well be back in the squad.

Everton need to stay in the hunt for fourth spot by winning at Wigan in one of their two European avenues, and have little time to prepare for the second leg visit of Chelsea to Merseyside with the west Londoners leading 2-1 from the first clash.

Boss David Moyes may have Leon Osman back in the frame as the midfielder steps up his training as he recovers from a broken foot, but both matches could be too early for him.

But Fernandes is raring to go, as Everton continue to cope with the absence of Ayegbeni Yakubu, Steven Pienaar and Joseph Yobo, all away on African Nations Cup duty.

Now Fernandes, who left in the summer after a protracted transfer saga, cannot wait for his chance to pull on a blue shirt again.

He said: "I am really happy to be back. I was sad when I left in the summer but the most important thing now is that I am here and I want to help the team.

"I heard stories at that time that I wanted to leave but that is not true. If that was the case I would not have come back now.

"It was difficult with a club and a group owning me, that was the difficult part in the negotiations but the important thing now is that I am back.

"Knowing the people and knowing the club played a big part in my decision to come here again. I believe that this is the best team for me.

"I hope we can consolidate fourth place. It will be difficult to get up to third but we want to stay as high as possible."

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