Hibbert: Looking for Everton to mount another push for Europe in 2012/13

The Toffees have made a habit of stumbling out of the blocks in recent years, leaving them playing catch-up on their rivals.

A trademark resurgence over the second half of the season continues to see David Moyes' men pushing for top-half finishes and European qualification, but they often make life difficult for themselves.

The intention of all of those at Goodison Park is to ensure that 2012/13 sets a new tone.

Defensive stalwart Hibbert is confident the club can do just that, with the long-serving full-back looking for the Toffees to better their seventh-place finish from last term.

Asked what the club's aims are for the new season, Hibbert told Sky Sports News Radio: "It's just to carry on what we've been doing. We just need to start the season better than what we have done.

"We all know what we're capable of come the end of the season, finishing strong, so if we can get off to a good start I think we'll be in with a chance."

First up for Everton this season is a home date with Manchester United.

On a derby date with their North West rivals, Hibbert added: "I think it's better for us that it's a big team because we always seem to do better against the bigger teams.

"In the last few seasons we haven't started the best. This season, we know what we are capable of, how we've being playing the last few years, and we are all together."

It has been another relatively quiet summer of transfer activity on the blue half of Merseyside, but the Toffees are used to that.

They have, however, been able to re-sign Steven Pienaar on a permanent basis, draft in Scotland international Steven Naismith from Rangers and are hoping there is even more to come from January arrival Nikica Jelavic following a bright start to his Premier League career.

"There is more to come from him," Hibbert said of Everton's Croatian marksman.

"He has got a full-pre-season under his belt with the lads and we all know what he is capable of. It's only good for us that we get a full season with him and we see the real Niki.

"The two new signings, Steven being one and Naismith being the other, it is good for the squad and I think we have got a good chance this season."