Hibbert returned from injury for the 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday

Everton midfielder Leon Osman has praised team-mate Tony Hibbert for playing through the pain barrier to be fit for the FA Cup final with Chelsea.

Hibbert has had a neck injury in recent weeks but Osman says the full-back is desperate to play at Wembley on 30 May.

"He's a tremendous character he's desperate to play in the team," Osman told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He'll play through pain as much as he can. He typified the person he is and he made some last-ditch challenges."

Osman and Hibbert could line-up up for David Moyes' side against Chelsea on Saturday in the club's first cup final for 14 years.

Both have come through the Everton academy and Osman, 28, admits playing at Wembley will be extra special for the pair of boyhood Blues fans.

"If selected we'll be delighted to be out there," he continued. "We know the mood of the fans and we're fans as well.

"So to go down there as two supporters hopefully going to play in an FA Cup final for our club - it will be fantastic."

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