LIVING in the shadow of the famed Hollywood sign, Landon Donovan knows a thing or two about disappointing sequels.

Never go back, they say. But often the temptation to return to the scene of a huge triumph can be too difficult to resist despite the inevitable danger of diminishing returns.

So it was no surprise that Donovan should have pause for thought when the phone call came from David Moyes to reprise his successful 10-week loan spell from MLS side LA Galaxy of two years ago.

Such contemplation, though, didn’t last long, given the great warmth and affection shown towards the United States international during his previous stint at Everton.

And, having turned down the opportunity of a return 12 months ago, Donovan is convinced his latest stay will be more Godfather Part II and Terminator 2 than Matrix Reloaded and, lest we forget, Grease 2.

“I wanted to come last year but I didn’t think it was responsible, so I made the decision not to,” says the 29-year-old. “But I was hopeful the manager would want me back this time. When the call came, I was ready and eager to come.

“It's like when you make a really good movie; do you really want to make the sequel? I'm human, so that part of it did cross my mind.

“But that's not living in the present. If you live in the moment, then that stuff doesn't matter. Why not try to do something fun and special and go for it?”

Donovan struck up an instant bond with supporters having been thrown straight into the first team during his initial stay in the New Year of 2010.