Sweden international Tobias Linderoth has admitted he wanted to leave Everton during the January transfer window in a bid to secure regular football.

The midfielder was worried about the number of games he was playing ahead of Euro 2004, mindful that his place in the squad could be in jeopardy.

As it happened, Linderoth featured more prominently for David Moyes after the festive period and he retained his seat on the plane to Euro 2004.

"I really wanted to move back to Stabaek," explained Linderoth to VG.

"There were some discussions between the clubs, but Everton weren't willing to let me go on loan."

Linderoth has proved a big hit in Portugal this summer with the 25-year-old playing the anchor role superbly for joint-coaches Tommy Soderberg and Lars Lagerback.