Hibbert has helped David Moyes' men record the fifth best defensive record in the Premier League having conceded just 20 goals this season. But the 30-year-old, who has started 16 top-flight games, knows he cannot take his place for granted. Even experienced centre-half Sylvain Distin has been forced to settle for a place on the bench, before he was restored in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Boxing Day, with fierce competition for places. Right-back Hibbert has hailed Everton's strength in depth and believes it keeps him on top of his game. "We have players who can play right-back, like Nev (Phil Neville), Seamus (Coleman), John (Heitinga), and it is good for the squad to have those options," Hibbert told the Liverpool Echo. "But I'm enjoying it now and I know I have to prove it every week to keep my place in the side. "In the last game (with Swansea) we showed we know what we need to do defensively, but it is nice to have a few lads who can come in and help out, as Sylvain did today. "He is a top-class defender, but we have a few who can come in."
