Alex Nyarko admits he is feeling the pressure of his uncertain future at Everton. The Ghana international midfielder is close once again to being fit enough for first team football after a string of injury and illness problems.

But he still seems certain to quit the club at the end of this season, with either Monaco or Marseille his likely destinations.

'All the speculation is very stressful and it's not something I like,' said Nyarko, who was signed by manager Walter Smith for ?4.5million last summer on the recommendation of Leeds United's former Everton midfielder Olivier Dacourt.

'At the moment, I am just concentrating on the last part of the season, then I will have to discuss things with people and there are many things to consider.'

Nyarko appeared in the first 14 games of this season, but was struggling for form before being struck down by a virus at Christmas and then being sidelined by a troublesome knee problem which needed surgery.

He made his comeback in the reserves on Wednesday night and will be hoping to work his way back into Smith's plans as Everton seek the wins to secure their Premiership status.

Nyarko has been delighted by his rapid recovery and added: 'It's five weeks since my operation. They told me it would take six or seven weeks.

'But I've worked hard and I'm very pleased to have played 90 minutes. It is very positive for me.

'There are only 11 games left and I am keen to rejoin my colleagues in the first team as soon as possible.'