DAVID MOYES believes Sylvain Distin has vindicated Everton’s multi-million pound outlay by emerging as vital to their aspirations.

The Goodison Park manager shelled out £5.3million for the experienced central defender in August last year, prising Distin away from Portsmouth and has finally been rewarded with a string of fine displays from the Frenchman.

Although Everton have suffered indifferent form so far this season – which sees them lying 14th in the Premier League table ahead of tomorrow’s trip to West Ham United – 33-year-old Distin has emerged as a figure of consistency in recent weeks.

And though Moyes admits splashing so much cash on an ageing player went against his transfer policy of buying for the long-term future, Distin is showing himself to be worth every penny.

However Everton were left frustrated on Boxing Day as their scheduled game at home to Birmingham City fell victim to the cold weather.

A frozen water supply at the ground created a health and safety issue which forced the game to be postponed