Fuente : Everton FC
http://www.evertonfc.com/

EVERTON: STUBBS: CALL-UP HIBBO

/noticias.info/ Everton captain Alan Stubbs is calling on England manager Sven Goran Eriksson to hand Blues full-back Tony Hibbert his chance at international level.

Saturday’s 2-1 win over the United States was completed with a team made up of international newcomers and many now believe that Hibbert should have been Stateside too.

Hibbert was pivotal to the Blues’ successful season last term and Stubbs, who played alongside him in the vast majority of games, would like to see him rewarded for his efforts.

He said: “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 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.”

Stubbs’ comments echo those of his manager, David Moyes, who also feels that his young defender is ready to make the step up to the international game.

Branded an unsung hero by many in the Everton camp, Stubbs also feels that Hibbert has matured to establish himself as Goodison’s first choice right-back.

He added: “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.” notas_de_prensa_archivo