TONY Hibbert has admitted the disappointment in the Everton camp at Landon Donovan’s decision not to return on loan – but insisted the Blues are still ready to enjoy a winning Christmas.

The defender accepts that Goodison Park will miss the added spark that the USA star provided last January, although he respects Donovan’s decision to spend his pre-season resting in America instead.

Hibbert, 29, who could be called upon to resume his occasional role as an emergency centre back against Birmingham City on Boxing Day due to Phil Jagielka’s injury, believes Everton are ready to turn a corner – with or without the LA Galaxy star.

He said: “It was always up to Landon. It was his decision, and he was entitled to decide against it. It’s good that he was interested in coming to us anyway, because he’s a top player.

“There is disappointment of course because we’ve missed out on a world class player, but there will probably be loads of players we will look at, and hopefully bring in a couple next month.

“This season the league is very tight as we know, and a couple of wins will throw you right up there. The belief among the lads is still the best I’ve ever seen.

“We’re a good group and have great individuals, so it’s only a matter of time before the results change for us. It’s got to, because the team we’ve got now is one of the best I’ve seen here.”

Hibbert said that a flipside of Donovan’s decision will be that Seamus Coleman can carry on starring in his new right midfield role.

He said: “He can only get better and better. I’m sure he never thought himself he would end up playing right wing, but the manager has given him a chance and he has taken it. I don’t see why he can’t hold his place, because he’s playing out of his skin. He’s still young, and learning all the time but he has amazing potential.”

Meanwhile, Leighton Baines has insisted he has no intention of quitting Everton, despite rumours linking him with a £9m move to Bayern Munich.

The defender is happy at Goodison Park, and only signed a new five-year deal with the Blues this summer.

He has been on top form this season, and was subsequently scouted by the Bundesliga giants on a number of occasions, but remains intent on success with Everton in the Premier League, and resurrecting his England career.

Baines joined the Toffees from Wigan Athletic for £6m in 2007, and has established himself as the second best left back in England behind only Ashley Cole.