Hibbert happy to give youth a chance

Stand-in captain Tony Hibbert has promised to give Everton's bright young things a helping hand.

While Hibbert will make a club record 20th appearance in Europe when BATE Borisov visit Goodison Park, others are just starting out. Everton have already secured a place in the last 32 of the Europa League and their squad is riddled with injuries.

Hibbert, 28, said: "I am sure the lads will love it. The older players do look after the youngsters. We let them know how it is and how it works at the club. Whoever comes in they will get a helping hand."

Hibbert, who has played centre-half as well as right-back in the campaign, is thrilled at reaching this milestone.

He said: "I know my family are happy and it is a great achievement. It just shows the strides the club has made over the years.

"It says a lot for the lads that we have qualified with a game to spare. The injuries we have had are frightening.

"Playing at centre-half has not been easy. I prefer playing right-back. But you have just got to get on with it."

Goalkeeper Carlo Nash will make a rare appearance between the posts while Kieran Agard could start up front. Leon Osman might also have a run-out following a foot injury despite only returning to training on Tuesday.

Moyes is pleased they are taking a break from European competition after this match for a couple of months.

He added: "I do not think people realise what it takes out of the players. We have had to play nearly the same team in every game. It has really taken its toll on us. We have had Sunday-Thursday-Sunday-Thursday for weeks now and had 10 or 12 players out. It has been a dreadful situation. But we wanted to get through and did it."