Let's show Ossie spirit
EVERTON were urged today to show a little Ossie spirit in their Carling Cup tie at Blackburn tonight.
Blues midfielder Leon Osman passed a late fitness test at Hull on Saturday, dislocated his thumb during the game, put it back in himself then carried on to score a crucial equaliser.
Boss David Moyes said he may need a knee operation, too, but he's still desperate to play again at Ewood Park.
Blues assistant boss Steve Round is encouraging his Everton team-mates to show that same attitude.
"Leon Osman did unbelievably well to play on Sunday," he declared.
"He had a fitness test on the morning of the game, played, dislocated his thumb halfway through the game, put it back in himself, carried on, was out on his feet, kept going and going and got the equaliser.
"For me He sums up what Everton's all about. His desire and attitude was phenomenal."
Round believes that out of touch defender Joleon Lescott has that same kind of attitude, and is backing him to show it.
The Blues' England international was dropped at Hull for the first time since last August.
Round said: "I'm sure it would have been a shock to be left out, but I've been very impressed with his professionalism.
"He put his hands up and said: 'I deserve to be out. If I make those mistakes at this level I don't deserve to play.'
"But on the other side of the coin he will say 'put me back in and I'll show you' and that's the kind of reaction the manager wants.
"Joleon doesn't complain. He's always got that steely look in his eye that says 'I'm ready.'
"He's not one to throw his toys out of the cot. He's a real stand-up professional and he'll say 'Give me a chance and I'll show you what I can do.
"That's the reaction of all of the players here from what I've seen up to now."
Everton will make some changes to their starting line-up tonight, with Tim Cahill likely to be rested, Victor Anichebe definitely out and Tony Hibbert not quite ready for a first team return just yet.
Mikel Arteta did not train yesterday with a virus, while goalkeeper Tim Howard played at Hull only after shaking off the affects of a bug.
With reserve goalkeeper Carlo Nash cup-tied, however, that may mean Iain Turner stepping in if the Blues want to give Howard a break.
But Round pointed out new boys Marouane Fallaini and Segundo Castillo were both eager to play.
"It's been a baptism of fire for the two new boys but that's the way it is," he added. "If you asked them they'd both want to play in every game.
"There were a few wry smiles when we said 'welcome to England' after the Stoke game, but I think they've slotted in quite well.
"It's not so much the pace of the game, but more integrating them into the way we play."
Alan Stubbs, meanwhile, has returned to Everton for a third time, this time as a member of the full-time coaching staff.
The 36-year-old will work with Andy Holden and the reserve team and is currently in the process of taking his coaching badges.
The referee for this Saturday's Merseyside derby will be Mike Riley.
The decision is sure to raise eyebrows. The derby statistically produces the most red and yellow cards of any Premier League fixture, and Riley has already shown the highest number of yellow cards this term, including seven for Manchester United at Chelsea last weekend.
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