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SYLVAIN DISTIN admits he has been surprised at how quickly he has adapted to his new role as Everton FC’s left back – and revealed he has been asking regular incumbent Leighton Baines for tips.

The Frenchman has been shuffled across from his usual central defensive station in recent weeks, with Baines’ hamstring having ruled him out of the Blues’ previous three games.

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And the 34-year-old has responded positively, bouncing back in style from the mistake which cost his side dearly in their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool at Wembley.

“It’s a new job for me,” said Distin. “The last time I played at left back was about six or eight years ago. I was a lot skinnier back then too, so it was easier! I’m getting used to it. The lads make it easy for me as well.

“I speak with Bainesy a bit and get some tips from him, but I don’t expect to be as good as him, he’s an amazing player. I just give my best, and that’s it.”

He added: When you play left back you have to try and link up play a bit more. Obviously I know I’m not going to get forward as much as Bainesy. But I’ll be honest I’m enjoying it more than I thought.

“I thought it would be really difficult, but I feel like I’ve adapted quite well. I feel comfortable.

Distin impressed as Everton FC were held 1-1 by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday. The result extends the Blues’ unbeaten Premier League run to seven games, and means they can virtually ensure they finish above Liverpool this season if they can beat already-relegated Wolves at Molineux on Sunday.

“Our target is to remain seventh in the league, and we are doing well in that,” said Distin. “It’s a good run, and that’s the most important thing.

“Wolves are not going to give up. No team in England gives up, no matter what the score, what the game or where they are in the league.

“They will fight, there is a lot of pride in English football. It will be difficult for them because they have gone down, but they will fight I’m sure.

Of the Stoke draw, Distin added: “There is a bit of disappointment. We knew what would happen against Stoke, with the gameplan they have, and I think we did quite well.

“We conceded a goal, the kind we didn’t expect to concede to be honest. But at the end of the day a point was a good result. We were away from home, and we are still on a good run. But we are still a bit disappointed because that is the kind of game we expected to win.”

Everton are unlikely to have striker Victor Anichebe available for selection for the trip to Wolves. The Nigerian international hobbled out of action after just 21 minutes at Stoke with a groin problem, and could miss the rest of the season as a result.