Sheedy gets cancer all-clear

Republic of Ireland great Kevin Sheedy has returned to work at Everton following a successful fight against bowel cancer.

The 52-year-old former midfielder, now under-18s coach, was diagnosed in August but given the all clear following successful surgery last month.

Sheedy, who won two league titles, the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during a 10-year playing career at Goodison Park, has been on the club’s coaching staff since 2006.

Sheedy told evertontv: “I started back on Monday and I am just easing my way back in to it.

“It’s great to be back, it’s like I’m starting again at a new club.

“I had what I had and I’ve overcome it and I am just really looking forward to being back where I love being and coaching the players.

“It has been a bit of a torrid time. It’s a bit surreal – it happened so quickly, I had the operation quickly and I’ve recovered quickly. It just seems as if it hasn’t happened.

“Obviously it did happen, I was very, very fortunate and managed to catch it early enough and I was in excellent hands with the surgeon and all the staff. I am a really lucky lad.”