Everton FC: Leighton Baines says Blues will battle through injury crisis

Jan 12 2012 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

LEIGHTON Baines believes Everton’s experience of past injury outbreaks will help them weather their latest crisis – as Sylvain Distin became the newest casualty in the Blues’ ranks during the defeat by Spurs.

Distin’s withdrawal, in the second half of a 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane, leaves the Blues with only one senior fit central defender, John Heitinga, and inexperienced youngster Shane Duffy as cover.

And although Baines admits the need to sign a centre back in this month’s transfer window has become paramount, he thinks the resilience of Everton’s squad will shine through.

The England left-back said: “We are really down to the bare bones now. Duffy as came on and did well but you just find yourself hoping another doesn’t go down because who’s left after that? Hopefully we’ll have Hibbo back soon because he’s another defender as well, but we’re struggling or numbers.

“It’s nothing new. We’ve been here before and we know what we’ve got to do in those situations. We can adapt.

“Whoever comes in, whether it’s someone coming back or Duffy, we’ll just get on with it. The lads will play wherever you ask them and do whatever job you ask them. It’s not ideal but we’ve got people who are willing which is important. There’s no egos or selfishness and people unwilling to play in a position they don’t consider their best. Everyone wants to do a job.”

Baines admitted he was as frustrated as manager David Moyes at the widening gap between Everton and Spurs, even though he believes the Blues were not out-played in the first half last night.

“It wasn’t long ago that there was more of a level playing field, but they’ve obviously been able to go and spend money and take top players,” he said.

“Look at the two situations now. We’re struggling for a recognised centre half, and it’s there for all to see.

“We looked alright and not under massive threat, but maybe they felt comfortable in terms of our goal threat. It was just a case of getting in at half time, and it was a poor goal to concede.

“They’re a good enough side now that when they scored again they can take the sting out of the game. They used their heads and kept the ball really well.”

Despite their defeat Everton remain in 11th place in the Premier League, and skipper Phil Neville was equally defiant at the loss of Distin, who joined Phil Jagielka, Tony Hibbert, Jack Rodwell and Leon Osman on the sidelines.

“It’s just the way of the world at Everton,” he said. “It’s been like that in the past and the manager finds a way to get us results. It’s not something we panic again. Shane is a big strong lad and he did well when he came on.”