No player deserves an England call-up more than Leon Osman, says Everton FC manager David Moyes

10 November 2012 00:00
DAVID MOYES believes no player has merited an England call-up more than Leon Osman. Osman has been selected by national boss Roy Hodgson to be part of the squad to face Sweden in Stockholm on Wednesday night, with Moyes hoping the 31-year-old is handed his first Three Lions cap. The Everton manager believes Osman reaching the England set-up is overdue recognition for the midfielder’s professionalism after nearly a decade of playing top flight football. Moyes broke the news to the long-serving Blues player at training on Thursday and revealed that Osman has been the butt of some good natured jokes from his proud team-mates ever since. And the Everton boss says making his international debut can help Osman improve his club form even further. “There hasn’t been a more deserving player to win a cap, in my view,” said Moyes. “He was embarrassed on Thursday when we told him he had been called up and you can imagine the ribbing he has been getting here. Players have been joking that he’s changed already! “You can see he is extremely proud and his family are no doubt delighted. “I hope it will kick him on again. I hope he gets a chance to somehow earn a cap. “I went to see Wayne Rooney’s first game down at West Ham. Will I go to see Ossie’s first? I might do. But we at Everton would all feel good to see Ossie play.” Moyes has long called for Osman’s inclusion in the England set-up. And he believes Osman’s consistency, coupled with the manner in which Everton have started this season, has finally convinced an England boss. “I think a lot depends on how you’re club side is doing,” said Moyes. “If they are doing well then it improves your chances of getting into the international team. “I’ve been asked many times in the past about Ossie and England and I’ve always said that I thought he was just going to miss out. “The competition to play in central midfield and other midfield positions for England has been difficult. I hope he gets a chance to get a cap. “It will be recognition for someone who has been a really good professional, worked hard at his game and been a regular for Everton for 10 years. “He is someone who might not get many caps. That’s why I hope he gets one.” Osman is expected to be named in the starting line-up for today’s game with Sunderland – but Moyes will be without Tony Hibbert or Darron Gibson. Victor Anichebe has joined the list of absentees after picking up a hamstring problem when playing for the reserves last Sunday. Moyes said: “Hibbo has had a recurrence of his calf strain. He’s back training but he’s not felt right so we are going to get him checked again. “Gibbo has been coming on, but Victor pulled his hamstring in a reserve game last weekend and looks like he will be out for four weeks.” Related stories From around the web Related Tags

Source: liverpool_echo