Everton boss Moyes lauds stand-in captain Osman

Everton boss David Moyes hailed stand-in captain Leon Osman for his goal and overall performance in the 1-1 draw with Stoke on Sunday.

The Toffees managed to equalise through Osman in the second half after Stoke’s Robert Huth opened up the scoring.

Moyes said Osman’s positive style of play and hard work were paramount in getting a point after staring the barrel of a home defeat.

“Leon was terrific as captain, it's a role he has had a few times when people have been injured,” Moyes said.

"He has been at this club since he was a boy, he has worked very hard to get where he is and he will have to continue to work hard to stay there.

"He had a shot just before he scored that went miles wide. So he had big b******s to try the same thing again. Crowds here can be unforgiving at times, but he produced the same shot again and put it in the top corner for a special goal.

"He deserves credit for showing that sort of courage to have another go like that. And he got his reward.

"He's a local boy and has made a terrific contribution to this club over the years.”

Moyes also praised the loyalty Osman has showed to the club.

“There have been suggestions that people like him could have been on their way, but players like Ossie and Tony Hibbert are part of the furniture here, they have been through the bad times and they very rarely let us down,” he added.

"They do their very best in every game and you cannot ask for any more."