Everton manager David Moyes has defended the signing of James McFadden on a short-term contract.

Critics have lamented Everton's need to re-sign the forward, who played at Goodison Park from 2003 to 2008.

McFadden has endured an injury prone few years but Moyes is confident that the 28-year-old can still have a big influence in the Premier League.

"I'm amazed people are putting a negative spin on it," said Moyes. "He's on a free until the end of the season, and if he does well, we'll sign him. And if not we'll thank him and hope we've helped him in some way.

"It's in no way a ­reflection of the position of the club. I just felt we were short on a few numbers.

"If he gets fit, James can help with that when we can't sign any players. He's not played for a long time, but he's looked really good in training, and it could pay off. If it doesn't, we haven't lost anything."

McFadden's career has also included spells with Motherwell and Birmingham.