LEON OSMAN has hailed Tony Hibbert as “one of the best full-backs in the country” and believes the Everton FC defender is finally being recognised for his contribution.

Hibbert began the season on the bench but has since won his way back into the Everton FC first team at the expense of club skipper Phil Neville.

The 30-year-old has started the last seven league games and is expected to retain his role for Saturday’s visit to high-flying Newcastle United.

Only David Weir, Duncan Ferguson and David Unsworth have made more appearances in the Premier League for Everton than Hibbert.

And team-mate and fellow homegrown talent Osman said: “It’s credit to him, he’s a top player and I’ve been saying for years that he’s one of the best full-backs in the country and he’s finally getting his rewards for that.

“He loves playing against an out-and-out winger where he’s going to get a tough battle and it’s good to finally see him get the plaudits he deserves.”

Last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United consigned Everton to a fifth defeat in their last six games.