IT is one of the most iconic scenes in Hollywood history.

Rocky Balboa emerges from his humble abode, resplendent in a grey jogging suit, and sets off through the streets of Philadelphia.

Like some bizarre boxing Pied Piper, children from the streets soon follow on as the main protagonist bounds his way through the American city towards the Ben Franklin Parkway.

This is when we see Rocky stride purposefully up the steps at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of art, before being swamped by his adoring public at their summit.

Thousands, if not millions, of tourists have recreated this scene since the first Rocky film hit the silver screen in 1976, desperate to emulate Sylvester Stallone’s legendary journey.

Back in September, James McFadden was the latest to do so as he took what he hopes are the first few steps of his own success story in the States.

The former Scotland internationalist had been over on a two-week training trial with MLS outfit Philadelphia Union back in September in an attempt to make his American Dream come to life.

And the man who has now signed on at Motherwell for a record third time ahead of hopefully landing a deal in the US explained how visiting the famous ‘Rocky Steps’ was the first thing he did on his trip.

“Of course I did,” said McFadden. “I went to Philadelphia and did all the touristy things.

“I ran up the Rocky steps. It was one of the first things I did. People were running up beside me singing the music. I wasn’t doing that.

“I was on the phone to the Mrs, telling her I was on the Rocky steps. But I was absolutely buzzing.”

Last week McFadden penned a six-week deal to put him in claret and amber once more while he waits to hear if his move to Union will come to fruition.

The former Everton man admits a switch to the USA is something he has had the desire to do for some time.

Now that it is within touching distance, he explains how he hopes his third spell at Motherwell will act as his Scottish swansong before he finishes his career in the MLS.

“If all goes well and I can get a couple of years in America and play as long as I can then hopefully it will be my last spell in Scotland,” said McFadden. “My family are going out there with me. It’s a lifestyle decision as well. It’s a chance for us to experience a different country and maybe settle and never come back.

“I’ve been here before and I’ve got a great history with this club so it’s great to sign.

“I went over and had a trial with Philadelphia Union and it went well. They are putting their squad together and I am waiting to hear back. But once that’s back we will have talks to sort a deal out.

“It’s been a couple of years I’ve wanted to go over to America. The timing has just not been right but if I get the opportunity I’d love to take it.”

Speaking ahead of today’s trip to face Dundee United, McFadden admits he is keen to get some game time under his belt.

However, he concedes that he would be happy if he went his entire third spell without getting kick – as it means Motherwell are on the up.

“When you go away and play in England you want to come back one day and play for the team you started at,” he added.

“You’ve left because you’ve done well. Now you want to repay the fans and the club. Certainly, when Pearo and I left the fans never got to see the best of us. So we are back and we want to give them as much as we can.

“It’s a great club. It’s a small club but it’s a family club.”