Everton midfielder Leon Osman admits he owes his career to FA Cup opponents Carlisle United.

Then aged 21, the Everton midfielder went on loan to Brunton Park in search of first-team football and enjoyed a superb spell with the Cumbrians, scoring three goals in 15 appearances.

"It's a nice one for me. Going there on loan helped start my career off so I've only got fond memories of the place," he told evertonfc.com. "I was playing here for the Reserves but was told I could go to Carlisle if I wanted too.

"I went up there, met the staff, the management and the players and fell in love with the place for a short while. It's a proper club, so to speak," he added. "It's got great roots and a history behind it as well and it was great to be there. It was only three months but it felt like a lot longer because I was enjoying it."