ALAN STUBBS yesterday made a surprise return to Everton, and bizarrely likened his time at Sunderland to 'a six-month injury'.

The 34-year-old's commitment to the Wearsiders fight against relegation was such that he admitted watching more of his beloved Toffees than the Black Cats this term, managing just 11 appearances since signing a one-year deal in the summer.

He left Goodison Park after falling out with the Toffees over an extension to his contract. The Merseysider claimed he couldn't agree to the new Everton deal because it contained a clause relating to the possible return of his testicular cancer, but now says it was a mistake to leave and sign for Sunderland.

"To be honest it just feels like I have had an injury six months and I am back training," said Stubbs, who scored once in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal in November.

"One of the biggest things as a person is to admit when you have made a mistake and not to hold things against people. That is what I have done."

Stubbs admitted to having second thoughts about the move just weeks after signing, and his spell on Wearside was beset by injuries with a groin problem keeping on the sidelines for much of the current campaign.

He was, however, unable to command a regular first-team spot and failed to break the partnership of Gary Breen and Steve Caldwell.

On Thursday manager Mick McCarthy said he only wanted players at the club who would be around long-term, and he is unlikely to lose any sleep over the loss of Stubbs who failed to settle in the North-East.

"I have probably seen as many Everton games as Sunderland games this season," said Stubbs. "That says it all to be honest.

"It was strange being at Goodison and watching the lads against Villarreal (in August). But it was my mistake and one I regret.

''It was tough at Sunderland, for myself and the manager it didn't really work out. Ideally they should have been looking at 20 to 25 points at this stage of the season but it never happened.

''They are a big club with great fans and probably needed another big injection of money to stabilise in the Premier League.

''It didn't spark, and me being up there and away from my family had an effect on me with all the travelling.

"It just wasn't right, it wasn't.''

McCarthy had already told Stubbs he would not be renewing his contract if Sunderland were relegated. Derby manager Phil Brown had already expressed an interest, but a swift return to the North West was what the player wanted.

He said: "Mick McCarthy, was great about it all and said they were really looking forward to next season now, it will be really difficult to stay up.

''He said he wouldn't be keeping me on in the Championship, which was fair enough from him, he was totally honest about the situation.

''It was good working with him, but it was so unfortunate how the season has gone for Sunderland.

''Sunderland were the better side for maybe eight games but ended up on the wrong end of the result. That's the harsh reality of how clinical you have to be in the Premier League to get results."

Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, meanwhile, has admitted he still sees the game against West Brom in September as pivotal in Sunderland's miserable Premiership campaign.

The Black Cats looked like they were about to end their long wait for home top flight win through an early Gary Breen goal before Zoltan Gera equalised in the fourth minute of injury-time.

"We were winning that game all day long," said the 29-year-old. "It was a bit of a strange one from my point of view because I'd lost my voice in the last ten minutes.

"I came for a cross and Alan Stubbs didn't hear me - obviously.

"It was cleared off the line and the last header of the game was headed in. Things like that you don't think can happen but they do and that's why we are where we are."