Tony is a no-nonsense defender who worked his way through the ranks at Everton until his performances in the Toffees' youth and reserve teams could no longer be ignored.

He was deservedly given his Premiership debut in a 2-0 win over West Ham in March 2001 and made further appearances in the 2001-2002 season.

He has been in and out of the team at Goodison Park but he was injured with an ankle problem that ruled him out of Everton's 2001-2002 season just after David Moyes took over as the Blues manager.

Tony was a member of the Blues' 1998 FA Youth Cup winning side and graduate of the Everton Youth Academy.

Originally a midfield player, the locally-born star had to adapt to the right-back position in recent seasons. For such a young player, his ability to play at the highest level has seen to it that he is tipped for long-term success as an Everton player.