TONY HIBBERT has warned against stifling Ross Barkley under the weight of expectations although he admitted it is impossible to hide his own admiration for the Everton FC starlet.

The veteran EFC defender played alongside Barkley, 17, for the first time during the Blues’ 1-0 friendly defeat by Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion last night, and enjoyed linking up with him down the right flank.

Hibbert missed the club’s pre-season tour of America when Barkley was given his first taste of first team action, but the defender said he had received glowing reports on his progress from the dressing room.

That potential was highlighted again last night with a bright 58-minute cameo against impressive Bundesliga opponents, but Hibbert insists Barkley should not suffer from too much premature hype.

He said: “I haven’t seen much of him until tonight. He went to America and the lads told me how good he was over there even though he’s coming back from such a big injury.

“But against Bremen and from what I’ve seen in training he’s a really bright lad. Football wise I think you couldn’t ask for any more from him, and he’s young and eager to work. It was a really good show from him and great experience.

“It’s easy to forget he’s 17 and people shouldn’t get carried away saying he’s the next big thing. You can put too much pressure on a player – he’s so young and has a lot to learn but there’s no denying he’s some prospect for us.”