EVERTON footballers are backing an international campaign to "re-energise" the search for missing Madeleine McCann.

The team is highlighting the cause as it travels to Portugal — where the youngster vanished two years ago while on a family holiday in Praia de Luz.

Madeleine was just three when she disappeared in May 2007.

One of the pictures issued by Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry to help with the initial search featured the then three-year-old in an Everton top.

Premier League club Everton face Portuguese side Benfica on Thursday in a Europa League match and have commissioned 6,000 t-shirts they want fans to wear bearing the message
 "We're Still Looking For You".
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: "I will never, ever forget that image of a beautiful, smiling child in an Everton shirt. "I believe that I was one of the first people outside the family to see it and it moved me greatly.

Search ... poster gives Maddie's parents renewed hope

 In truth, like everyone else, I have felt nothing but deep sadness and mounting frustration as the search for Maddie has continued.

"However, I continue to be inspired by the dignity and the faith which Kate and Gerry have displayed throughout their dreadful ordeal.

"This is just our way of reminding people - not just in the UK and Portugal but

Bill_Kenwright Everton Chairman

across the globe - that this child is still out there somewhere.

"If we can, perhaps, jog someone's memory or breathe a little fresh life into the hunt for her then it will have been worth it.

"I know our supporters will wear these t-shirts with pride on Thursday night."

Club manager David Moyes also backed the poster campaign.

He added: "My heart went out to Madeleine's family when this awful tragedy occurred - and it

still does.

"It is absolutely vital that the hunt for this lovely little girl continues.

"People do sometimes forget that football managers and footballers are also dads — family comes first.

"Everyone connected with Everton Football Club simply wishes to see Madeleine reunited with her family."

Travellers to Lisbon wishing to show their support can collect a t-shirt from Goodison Park today and tomorrow and from Liverpool Airport by showing a match ticket or travel documents.