Thomas Hitzlsperger is using Everton teammate Leon Osman as inspiration.

Osman's England debut has lifted everyone connected to Everton, including the German.

"He has proved that you should never rule out playing for your country," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"He has played for such a long time and had to wait a long time to get his first cap and it proves if you work hard and keep going for the team you get rewards in the end.

"He's a good example and I look at it the same way. I was very pleased for him getting his first England cap. I watched him play against Sweden and thought he did very well - he's very important to this club that's clear.

"I've just come in and been out for a long time. I've got a long way to go but I look forward to it."