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He could be considered Everton’s forgotten man - but Tony Hibbert remains very much part of Roberto Martinez’s plans.

The veteran full-back has been plagued by injury in the past three seasons and has made just 19 appearances in that time.

But even though the man labelled ‘Mr Everton’ by Martinez has not been on the pitch much, the Blues boss has revealed how he played a key part in lifting the side out of their slump earlier in the season.

“It is a good job that he has that experience and that he is part of the furniture at Finch Farm in the way that he is Mr Everton, so that helps,” Martinez said, when asked if Hibbert has found it tough being out for so long.

“But it has been a frustrating period for him.

“He has had some of his most impressive performances in the last two years and I will always remember his performance against Wolfsburg away from him - that was Tony Hibbert at his very, very best.

“So it is a shame that he has not been fit but he always effects the others even when injured, he doesn’t let anyone know that he is down and he has had a very positive influence on the squad when we were in very tough periods. He is always someone you can rely on and seeing him around the place is always good.”

Hibbert, whose last appearance for the Blues came in December, will not be fit for this weekend’s trip to Aston Villa but Martinez is refusing to rule out the 34-year-old making his return from a knee injury before the end of the campaign.

“It would be great if Tony could be involved before the end of the season but it is still in the air,” Martinez added.

“He wants to get himself fit before the Spurs game, if it happens great but if not then I want him to have a great pre-season and be ready for next season.”

“He has a very strong influence in the dressing room, especially when you have a clear strategy of bringing young players through, you need the brains of Tony Hibbert at the club.”

Hibbert signed a new two-year contract with Everton last summer.