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Distin happy in left-back role

'I'll play anywhere'

Sylvain Distin says that he feels comfortable deputising at left back for the injured Leighton Baines even if he admits that he can't emulate the England international's bombing raids down Everton's left flank.

Distin filled in for Baines at Old Trafford last weekend as the Blues twice came back from two goals down to draw 4-4 to upset Manchester United's cruise towards a 20th League title and he managed to keep Antonio Valencia quiet. ?I knew (the game) would be a lot of running — it's a completely different position,? Distin said. ?I didn't expect to do as well as Bainesy, or go forward as much as him — that's kind of impossible with my legs!

?So the most important thing was to stop Valencia, who is an amazing player. He is fast, sharp, he can cross the ball. He can dribble past you, so you have to try and be simple in your passing and most important try to stop him. It was difficult at the end, but it was interesting. It was a good game and I think there was a lot to learn from it.?

The veteran defender isn't sure if he will be asked to play there again on Saturday against Fulham but he insists he'd be happy playing anywhere he is asked.

?I've got absolutely no idea. Everybody is back at centre-half nowadays... The only problem is with left-back because Bainesy is still injured, but I'm sure there are one or two other players that can play there. We'll see.

"But even if the gaffer asks me to play goalkeeper, I will do it. I love football. I want to play no matter what — even as a striker, I will try."

And Distin joined Marouane Fellaini in calling for the Blues to finish the season as strongly as possible even though European qualification is effectively beyond them.

?Maybe some people feel if we finish seventh or ninth, if we don't qualify for Europe it doesn't change much," the defender said. "But personally I want to finish as high as possible — no matter who is in front, or who is behind. If you watched the training today or yesterday, you would know we are still working really hard. We finish well every season and finish high in the table. That's great.?

Quotes or other material sourced from Evertonfc.com

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