ENG flag Gavin McCann

Born:10 January 1978
Birthplace:Blackpool
Weight:70 kg
Height:1.80 m
Position:Midfielder

Gavin finally returned to first-team action at Sunderland in November 2000 following a long absence through injury and went on to enjoy a season of significant achievement.

The tall central midfielder, renowned for his biting tackles and intelligent distribution, timed his return to perfection, immediately catching the eye of new England boss Sven Goran Eriksson.

Selected for the squad for the friendly against Spain in February, he received his first full cap as a second half substitute.

Other highlights for Gavin included a sensational goal against Arsenal at Highbury in December when he beat David Seaman from 25 yards, a great strike at Chelsea and a last gasp equaliser against Aston Villa in March.

Gavin's contract at Aston Villa was extended to June 2008 in July 2005.

He joined Bolton Wanderers in June 2007 with a three-year contract.

Gavin announced his retirement in May 2011 due to an ankle injury.

Date Against Score Venue Competition Round
24 Sep 1997 Newcastle United 0-1 St James' Park Premier League -
27 Sep 1997 Arsenal 2-2 Goodison Park Premiership -
18 Oct 1997 Liverpool 2-0 Goodison Park Premiership -
23 Feb 1998 Liverpool 1-1 Anfield Premiership -
14 Mar 1998 Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Goodison Park Premiership -
04 Apr 1998 Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 White Hart Lane Premiership -
11 Apr 1998 Leeds United 2-0 Goodison Park Premiership -
13 Apr 1998 Wimbledon 0-0 Selhurst Park Premiership -
18 Apr 1998 Leicester City 1-1 Goodison Park Premiership -
25 Apr 1998 Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Goodison Park Premiership -
10 May 1998 Coventry City 1-1 Goodison Park Premiership -