Hibbert in line for Sunderland return

, EvertonFC.com , 16 April, 7comments | Jump to most recent

Tony Hibbert could be in contention for a return to the senior squad that travels to the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Alan Stubbs praised the influence and professionalism Tony Hibbert, who continued his recovery from calf surgery by completing the full 90 minutes for Under-21s against Middlesbrough yesterday.

"Hibbo is obviously a top pro and you only need to look at the way he went about it. He's a great lad and always gives what he has got. He is always seven or eight out of 10.

"He is an example for the young lads to learn off, especially the lads at the back. I'm hoping they learnt a lot, about his attitude and doing things at the right time.

"For me, defenders don't have to be the best players — they have to be the best defenders. Some of them don't understand that at times.

"If a ball needs kicking out, it gets kicked out. If the ball needs to be cleared first time, it gets cleared first time. It's not about being nice and pretty, it's about doing your job. Hibbo is the perfect example of that because he does everything well and nine times out of 10 he makes the right decisions.

"That should be a big learning curve for Tyias [Browning], John [Stones] and Luke [Garbutt] to play alongside someone like him."

Stubbs believes the 32-year-old could now be in contention for Saturday's first-team trip to Sunderland.

“Hibbo is ready to be called upon now,” Stubbs added. “He just needs to keep his fitness up for when that time comes. His injuries are behind him now, which is great, and he's ready for the manager.

“It's good confidence for him — he has got another game under his belt, so that's important.”

Quotes or other material sourced from EvertonFC.com

Reader Comments (7)

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John Gee
1 Posted 16/04/2013 at 22:22:44

I would eat, not just my hat, but everybody else's hat if Coleman is dislodged from RB. Moyes has built this guy up into a good defender and the players own ability has, IMO, flourished in to one of the most exciting players in the league. Typical Moyes here, Coleman has got his opportunity and made the position his own. I love watching him play.

Brent Stephens
2 Posted 16/04/2013 at 22:29:48

Agree, John. Truly exciting. Always was good going forward but his defending has come on no end. That's Hibbo, I mean. No just joking. I wonder what Coleman's market value is now. £65k plus?

John Gee
3 Posted 16/04/2013 at 22:37:17

Brent, I would be amazed if after Moyes getting this guy for £50k we couldn't sell him to shity for at least £75k. ;)

Jim Harrison
4 Posted 17/04/2013 at 03:34:15

I think it just means he is available if needed. Coleman is currently first choice RB, but if he gets injured there is now proper cover again. It also puts pressure on Coleman as he has competition for his place again. Can only be positive.

Paul Andrews
5 Posted 17/04/2013 at 12:38:11

Great to have Tony back,he will be on the bench for a while though.

Mark Frere
6 Posted 17/04/2013 at 20:21:44

I just hope John Stones try's to emulate Coleman's style of play and not Hibbo's. It's not that I dislike Hibbo, he's a true pro and always gives 100%, I just think Coleman's a proper modern day full back which is expected to attack as well as defend.

Kevin Day
7 Posted 19/04/2013 at 22:40:26

I really don't see hibbo walking straight in, Coleman has made the right back slot his own after some barn storming displays. I actually think Hibbert should be sold. As much as I like him, the club comes first, Stones should now be Colemans understudy.

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