Football
Mike Whalley 10y

Leon Osman seeking silverware

Everton midfielder Leon Osman says he wants to end the club's long wait for a trophy before he retires.

Osman, who is preparing for his testimonial against Porto at Goodison Park on Sunday, is hopeful that the Toffees can win their first silverware since lifting the FA Cup and the Charity Shield in 1995.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez described the signing of striker Romelu Lukaku on Wednesday for a club record 28 million pounds as "a very big statement."

And Lukaku himself declared that a factor in his decision to move permanently to Goodison Park -- where he spent last season on loan -- was a desire to help the club become one of the most successful in the country.

Osman has been with Everton since he was a schoolboy, but the only trophy he has ever won was the 1998 FA Youth Cup -- and he is keen to win a senior medal.

The 33-year-old told the Daily Mail: "The one thing, the only thing, since I got into the first team is to win a trophy. We've come close but it hasn't been achieved yet and seriously needs to be addressed.

"With the quality of players we have had over the years and now, with the likes of Romelu Lukaku joining, we should be challenging."

Lukaku was Everton's second signing of the week, following confirmation of the arrival of Bosnia international midfielder Muhamed Besic from Hungarian side Ferencvaros for four million pounds on Monday.

Martinez could yet add to the squad further, as he has been linked with a loan move for Chelsea and Ghana winger Christian Atsu.

Osman believes that Everton's strengthening gives them the ability to finish above city rivals Liverpool - despite the fact that Brendan Rodgers has spent nearly 100 million pounds bringing six players to Anfield.

Asked if Everton could finish above Liverpool, the England midfielder told Talksport: "Yes we can. It's going to be difficult though.

"Liverpool have strengthened, but so have we. We both have extra commitments with Europe this year but we aim to finish above them every season."

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