Hibbo For England

Everton Captain Alan Stubbs is asking Sexy Sven to take a look at Everton's unsung hero, right back Tony Hibbert. With Gary Chuckle nearing the end of his International career, it may be time for Hibbo to push his way into the International reckoning.

Stubbsey says: "Different managers have different perspectives on what they want of a player and it all depends on whether the people who are in charge of England value the way he plays. Managers look for different things in players and I see no reason why he shouldn’t get international recognition. He’s done as well as anyone at full-back last season.

I still think Gary Neville (Gary Chuckle) is the best right-back in the country, but I think Hibbo’s not that far behind now. He just needs to keep what he is doing and he won’t be far away.

Hibbo’s one of those players who goes about his job and you barely realise he is there. To me that’s the sign of a top-notch defender. The only other person I could liken him to is Denis Irwin – an unsung hero but he had the total respect of everyone at the club because he just went out, did his job and you always knew that the job would be done to the highest standard. I think last season Hibbo was up there as one of the most consistent players we had. That speaks volumes for him. I think the biggest thing is that his performances have matured and that’s where he got his consistency. Last season, I thought that at times his injuries got in the way and probably his honesty too. He is one of those lads who will try to play through the pain barrier and I think that didn’t do him any favours really because maybe he should have a had a rest and try to put it right. That’s Hibbo for you, he will run through a brick wall. He is a vital member of the squad and we’ve seen that last season." (31/05/05)

Top Marks For Hibbo

Moyesy has heaped praise on the most improved defender in the Premiership by the proverbial street. Hibbo's performance's this season have been pivotal in keeping Everton in the top four all season, and Moyesy is delighted with his young right back's willingness to improve.

Moyesy says: "You can see in training that Tony is much more comfortable on the ball now, much more assured. He is becoming a very good listener, which is always important if you are going to improve your game. He is always listening in training, always willing to improve. In him, you can see someone who is becoming much more comfortable with being a Premier League player. I think he is a lot more confident that he was.

We all know he's a gritty, tough defender. If you add those other bits to his game, hopefully that will make him a very good full-back. I think Hibbo's distribution is the one thing we need to work on, but overall he is a tough little defender. He does things people like. He is a good tackler, and enjoys that part of the game. If he keeps his drive and determination, hopefully there is no reason why he won't continue to improve. He has had a very good season for us." (30/04/05)

Sharper

David Moyes has heaped praise on the work that Tony Hibbert has done this season. Tony also leads the tackle count in the Premiership with 113 of them.

Moyesy says: "He is sharper than ever and I think he can go even further. To step up another level he needs to improve his use of the ball, but that is coming. There has been a definite improvement in that part of his game and as a result he is more composed, comfortable in possession and sees things earlier.

I think all of our players deserve great credit for what they have done this season but some get more recognition than others. Tony maybe doesn't stand out as much, but he deserves as much recognition as anybody for what he has done this season."(14/03/05)

Refreshing

We are all pleased Hibbo is getting back to the form a couple of seasons ago. But the talk of an England recall doesn’t interest him one bit. All he wants to do is play for Everton. What a refreshing change.

Hibbo says: “When you talk about England, I am not really bothered. I just want to get on with my football here and if anything like that happens it is just a bonus. My aim is just to stay in the side, keep playing as well as I have been doing and kick on from that.

“This season I have got my head together. I have worked hard in pre-season and the manager has stuck by me. The confidence is rubbing off on everybody. If you see a bit of brilliance or take somebody o, then it inspires you to do your best and make something happen as well even if you are a defender. " (18/10/04)

I'm Lovin' It

Tony Hibbert's form this season has epitomised the new found confidence in the Everton squad of late. Tony was the first to admit that his form took a knock last season, but this season he is loving every minute of it. Long may it continue.

Tony says: "I was lacking a bit of confidence, maybe more than I thought at first. There was a lot of changing, I had been in and out of the team and then I heard about a couple of lads who might be coming in who were right backs and all of that did get to me.

This year I’ve just got my head down, worked very hard in training and since I got my chance down at Palace I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. If you are enjoying your football that’s half the battle and I am. It has helped my confidence and I hope it continues.

The manager hasn’t said anything to me specifically but it helps just being in the dressing room after the wins we’ve had recently. The atmosphere in the dressing room has been unbelievable and no-one has to say anything to you when you’re part of that, you just enjoy every minute of it, the atmosphere says it all. Everyone knows whether you’ve had a bad game or not but it’s just nice to be winning again. We’ve got that winning feeling back, no-one has taken credit for it themselves, it has all been about the team and the spirit is better than ever." (18/09/04)

Tony Hibbert Last Season