Moyes' Delight For Osman

Blues boss proud to break England news to Ossie.

David Moyes was delighted to break the England call-up news to midfielder Leon Osman.
 
The Blues boss gathered his squad around him at the end of Thursday's training session before revealing to all - Osman included - that the 31-year-old would be joining Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines in the latest Three Lions party.
 
Moyes said: “That news went down with the players and staff as good as anyone that has gone before.
 
"It was a pleasure to tell everyone that Ossie had been called up for England. His form this season has been such that he really deserves this."
 
Osman has been part of Everton's squad for over 10 years but his performances of late have been of continued high quality.
 
His manager believes his abilities will be well suited to the international stage.
 
“His consistency during my time here has been exceptional,” continued Moyes. “He will take the ball and he will want to help England play.
 
“His football intelligence is as good as anyone I have ever worked with. He understands what you want him to do and he always gets on with it to the best of his ability.
               
“I felt at times that he might miss out but his form and Everton’s form this season have helped him.”

Osman's age means his selection raised the eyebrows of those who don't follow Everton.

But Moyes insisted his ecstatic charge was worthy of his place.

"He is delighted," beamed the manager. "It is a great honour for anybody to play for their country and I think when you get to Ossie's age and having been round the block a couple of times, you think maybe your chance has gone.

"I am really pleased Roy has selected him because on form in the Premier League he is playing as well as anyone.

"He is a determined, committed little footballer and he's a really good footballer. Given the opportunity he will help England play, he will get on the ball, he'll want the ball and he has got lots of attributes.

"He's a tough little lad and we are really pleased for him."