Heitinga joined Everton from Atletico Madrid in September

Defender John Heitinga says Everton would have had a better season had they not been so badly affected by injuries.

Phil Jagielka, Yakubu and Mikel Arteta have been out for most of the campaign, while the Blues have also had to do without a number of other players.

But two defeats in 19 games has lifted them to eighth in the Premier League.

"If we had the same squad at the beginning of the season, you never know where we would be finishing," Heitinga told BBC Radio Merseyside.

Yakubu (Achilles), Arteta and Jagielka (both knee) have all recently returned to action, as has striker Victor Anichebe, who picked up a knee injury in March.

Captain Phil Neville also spent two months on the sidelines with a knee problem, while Marouane Fellaini and Dan Gosling have both been ruled out for the rest of the season with ankle and cruciate ligament injuries respectively.

In addition to this Tony Hibbert, Joseph Yobo, Sylvain Distin, Louis Saha, Jack Rodwell and James Vaughan have all spent varying amounts of time on the sidelines.

"Our start wasn't the best start and the biggest reason was everyone wasn't fit," Heitinga added.

"Over the last couple of months we've played well and we have a team that is hard to beat."

The Netherlands international moved to Goodison Park from Spanish side Atletico Madrid for £6m at the beginning of the season.

Signed mainly to play in the heart of defence, the 26-year-old has recently been employed as a holding midfielder by manager David Moyes.

"I can play as a centre half or in the position I play now," he continued. "Both of those positions are my favourite and I'm happy where I'm play playing now.

"I don't know if it is my best position, but it is one of my favourites. So far, I'm happy.

"It's my first year in the Premier League and so far I think I've done well, but I look forward to next year. In my second season I hope we can start with a fit squad to select from."

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