Baines - Osman better then ever

Leon Osman has saved his best football for this season according to Everton team-mate Leighton Baines

Leon Osman is playing the best football of his career this season according to his Everton team-mate Leighton Baines.

The 30-year-old is set to join fellow academy graduate Tony Hibbert in the 300 club against Fulham on Saturday.

Everton fans got their first glimpse of Osman when he made his debut in a 4-3 defeat at Tottenham in January 2003.

And Osman has gone on to become a key player at the club according to Baines who feels the midfielder has got better with every year.

"Ossie's been a terrific player for the club over the years," Baines told Everton's website. "He's continued to grow over the years and he's a massively important player for us now.

"Since I've been here, I think he's got better every year really and become more and more important to us.

"I thought last season he was great and this year he's been fantastic again. He's a vital part of the squad and the team. To get to 300 games is a very nice landmark to reach."