Everton fullback Tony Hibbert believes he will be fit for their FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United.

Hibbert has been out with a thigh strain since the February 28 home win over West Brom.

And although he has not set a date for his return, the trip to Wembley to face Manchester United on April 19 is now a possibility.

Hibbert has been concentrating on strengthening his calf muscle to reduce the chance of similar injuries in the future.

He said: "It's settled down a lot quicker than was first thought. I'm not going to push it yet, and we've got a game in mind for my return. It's just a waiting game now. I'm running which is good, and the injury has settled down an awful lot.

"I'm concentrating on working hard and building up the muscle more so in future I don't have the same problems again, although I haven't started kicking a ball yet. I hate watching matches when I'm injured. It's frustrating, and it's even worse because of the run we were having.

"I hate watching but it was just one of those situations you have to put up with, if you're a footballer you'll get injuries. And as far as the semi-final is concerned, that would be a massive game at Wembley and what an occasion to play in."