'He's Different Class'

Tony Hibbert thrilled at prospect of Leon Osman’s England debut.

Tony Hibbert can't wait to watch Leon Osman pull on an England shirt for the first time – so he can shout at his television.

Wednesday evening could see 31-year-old Osman become the Three Lions' fifth oldest post-war debutant, after he was named in Roy Hodgson's squad for the friendly in Sweden.

Both players graduated from the Blues' Academy to play for the first-team for and Hibbert admits he will be glued to his seat for his close friend's big moment.

He told evertontv: "I'll definitely be watching and I'll be shouting at the telly at him as well! I've got to watch it and I'll be sending him a message.

"It's massive for him. It's a big, big honour and he's been brilliant for Everton Football Club season-in, season-out. It's a credit to him and his family that he has been selected and hopefully he'll play."

With Osman earlier revealing the call-up came as a shock, Hibbert believes the midfielder’s refusal to let go of the dream of playing for the national side has finally paid off.

"I think Ossie shows that you should never give up," he explained.

"He's been very patient with it. He perhaps hasn't had a cap before because there have been world class players in his position, but Ossie is up there with them.

"I've said it for a number of years now, he's one of the best midfielders that I've ever seen. Playing with him for that long as well has been unbelievable. He's different class."