The mother of convicted rapist Ched Evans has said that she is happy to have her son home after the former Sheffield United striker was released from prison.

The 25-year-old left HMP Wymott jail at 5am this morning after serving half of his five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman back in May 2011.

After the former Wales international's release, Mrs Roberts wrote on Twitter: "Thank you to every single person that has supported, took abuse and argued for Ched and my family it really has helped keep us strong. xxx"

Glamour model Nicola McLean tweeted Evans's mother directly to say "you must be so glad to have him home", and Mrs Roberts replied: "Yes I am. Thank you xx"

The Blades have held talks about possibly re-signing Evans, who is the subject of an online petition calling for the League One club not to bring him back.

On behalf of the striker, a statement on his official website claimed that he will continue the fight to clear his name.