New boys must be ready for ‘special’ game – Tony Hibbert

Oct 19 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

TONY HIBBERT has warned Everton’s derby debutants they must respond to a unique challenge at Goodison tomorrow.

Leighton Baines, Steven Pienaar, Phil Jagielka and club record signing Yakubu are all vying for a first-ever appearance in the battle for local bragging rights against Liverpool.

Of the current squad, only veteran Alan Stubbs can surpass Hibbert’s experience of playing in eight derbies as an Everton player.

Hibbert was born and raised on Merseyside and, like so many other families in the area, has relatives whose support is split on either side of Stanley Park.

And the right-back reckons Everton’s new signings will soon recognise they are participating in a special occasion in the 206th Merseyside derby tomorrow.

“A derby is a derby,” said Hibbert. “It’s different to your normal Saturday game.

“It is hard to explain; you have got to play in one to realise it. It means so much to the fans and the local lads especially.

“There are a few Liverpudlians in the family so I get a bit of banter. It is special when the derbies come around. I love the derbies and it is great to play in them.

“The form book goes out the window. The first five minutes is quick, but in the derby there is a real buzz as soon as you run out, and even before the game the atmosphere builds from a few days before.”

Hibbert is hopeful Everton can continue last season’s form against Liverpool, when a goalless draw at Anfield in February followed the historic 3-0 success at Goodison last September.

“Last year’s win was definitely one of the highlights of my career,” said Hibbert to evertonTV.

Everton’s hopes of victory tomorrow could be boosted by the return of Tim Cahill, who has made himself available for selection for the first time this season.

The Australian has been sidelined for the past three months after aggravating the metatarsal injury suffered at Sheffield United back in March.

And David Moyes has revealed the midfielder has resumed full training and is pressing for inclusion tomorrow.

“Tim started training on

Monday and we are pleased to have him back,” said the Everton manager. “There is no doubt we have missed him since he’s been out.

“He is a goalscoring central midfielder with drive and when you look at the goals he has scored for Everton in the past three years, he has been a big part of our success.”

The derby is the first of seven games in 23 days, and Moyes admitted: “This a big period for us. We gave the players a few days off last week after a difficult period and gave them a chance to relax. From Saturday, we have a lot of big games and need them fresh.”

The derby is likely to be too soon for Thomas Gravesen while Andrew Johnson is targeting the UEFA Cup tie against FC Nurnberg on November 8.