McFadden - Matches over money

McFadden: Best years ahead

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James McFadden insists he was not swayed by a big-money contract to remain with Everton because he was not getting regular first-team action.

The 24-year-old made the £5million move to Birmingham in January after failing to cement a place in David Moyes' plans at Goodison Park.

Now the Scotland international has revealed that he turned down an improved contract with Everton because his lack of first-team action was de-motivating.

"Everton wanted me to sign a new contract, but I wasn't even interested in negotiating," McFadden told the Daily Mail.

Substitute

"It would have given me false hope. I could've signed for a lot more but I'd have been in the same position.

"That wouldn't have been fair on anybody. To be paid more money for doing the same, well it's not fair.

"I was training for nothing and getting paid, basically for nothing. It had got to the stage where I was expecting not to play, preparing myself for being a substitute and that's no good."

McFadden is now earning £1.8million a year at Birmingham where Alex McLeish's side are battling against the drop and without a win from their last seven games.

Relegation scrap

The attacker admits he has swapped the prospect of UEFA Champions League football for a relegation fight but insists his best is yet to come.

"I have maybe swapped a fight to get into the Champions League for a relegation scrap," he added.

"But I'd rather play every week in a relegation fight than be a bit-part player for Everton.

"I believe the best years of my career are ahead of me. Birmingham's supporters will get to see that."