Tony Hibbert insists he would have no problem with Everton bringing in another right-back this summer.
Toffees full-back would welcome competition
Tony Hibbert insists he would have no problem with Everton bringing in another right-back this summer.
The Toffees were keen on Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton, along with his Blades team-mate Kyle Walker, but both have now sealed a move to Tottenham.
David Moyes is now set to turn his attention elsewhere, well aware that bolstering his defensive options will be vital during the transfer window.
Hibbert knows a new arrival could put his place in the side under threat, but the 28-year-old claims competition for places is healthy at any club.
He said: "The challenge is the same every season. When you play for Everton you have got to show you deserve to be in the team. You must fight all the time to keep your marks up.
"You look at the age of the players now coming through and that is when it hits you that you are not one of the kids any more. The talent that some of them have is unbelievable and in years to come, it is only going to help the club.
"The gaffer was spot on to look at another right-back. That is always going to happen because if you want to be successful now, you need two players for every position and it is good to see that Everton are being linked with these outstanding young players.
"I love the club, I have been here all my life and whoever gets brought in is only going to help us out, so why would I complain?"
Downer
Hibbert is also backing himself to bounce back from his FA Cup final nightmare In May, when he was given a torrid time by Chelsea winger Florent Malouda.
He added: "When the season finished, I got away as soon as I could and had a couple of holidays with my family. But here we are again, back to work with the season not far off. It just goes by too quickly.
"How was I after the final? It was just one of those things. We all went into the game with the highest of hopes but we came out of it on a real downer. But you have to do everything you can to put it behind you as soon as possible.
"Getting back to another final has to be the aim. Looking back, it was a nightmare to get booked so early and, to be honest, it rattled me. I love tackling, that is what I base my game on, so straight away I was thinking 'I'm not going to be able to tackle here'.
"You just have to look at things in a positive way if you can. All the lads have got a lot of experience now and they know what playing in a final is all about and I am sure it is only going to help us in the long term."
