Everton defender John Heitinga has insisted that he is comfortable with his role at the Toffees ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has had to bide his time at the club this season, but he is expected to sign a new contract at Goodison Park.

Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin have emerged as the club's first-choice central defenders, but the Dutchman has welcomed the competition.

"I'm not frustrated. We've got three really good centre-halves and the manager spoke with all three of us and said, 'you are all going to play a lot of games this season'. Of course you want to play all the games, and also I can play in different positions, but my best position is centre-half," he told the club's official website.

"Last year I think the manager was lucky that one of us had injury or suspension and he didn't have to choose but now the three of us, at the moment everybody is fit and the only player that played all the games is Jags.

"Competition for places makes you a better player. There is a lot of competition in the team at the moment and the best player will always play."

Everton currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League table.