The product of Everton’s youth academy bounced back from serious injury to cement himself in the Toffees' midfield
The diminutive Wigan-born Osman is a graduate of the 1998 FA Youth Cup-winning side that contained Tony Hibbert, Richard Dunne and Francis Jeffers.
Having overcome a nasty knee injury, he enjoyed successful loan spells at Carlisle United and Derby County, returning to Goodison early in 2003 to knock on the first-team door.
Nippy, with a fine first touch and good ball skills, he has carved a regular starting berth for himself on the right and in 2006/07 won a call-up to Steve McClaren’s England squad, though he was ultimately not selected.
His UEFA Cup strike against Larissa was voted the club’s goal of the season.