Leon Osman (20) (Central Midfield)
Leon Osman is a bright young player who focuses his game on attacking – going forward, linking up with the forwards and generally exerting his forward-thinking influence on the game. Osman is an out and out central midfield player, an attacking central midfield player, who also chips in with his fair share of goals.
After some time out on the sidelines with a serious cruciate knee ligament injury, Osman's progress was badly stalled. Now, the youngster has returned to action and is once again competing in the reserves trying hard to make up for lost time.
Planet Imp quote - “I've had to get my head down and work hard. Now I'm on the right trail, and hopefully I can get back to where I was,” said an optimistic Osman, after his long-term absence.
Osman is held in high regard by his admiring Everton supporters, who acknowledge the potential the young boy has.
Planet Imp quote - Attack-minded Osman refers to such talent as Peter Clarke and Tony Hibbert who have advanced to the very brink of first team inclusion. The Liverpool-born star said, “It's really good to see them breaking through, but you are always a bit envious, because you want it to be you, but I am really happy they are there”. The fact that Osman is not there is something which admittedly disheartens him.
Osman fits Imps manager Alan Buckley's criteria perfectly - gaining experience at first team level fits Osman's criteria perfectly.
Keith Southern (19) (Central Midfield)
The Imps were disheartened by the recent news that reliable midfield man Ben Sedgemore may be out for the remainder of the season. Sedgemore, a battling midfield terrier can be compared to Everton's young reserve team skipper, Keith Southern. This mature youngster has a clever football brain, trying to dictate the game from the middle of the park. His adaptability allows him to slot in just in front of the back line, as he is a tough tackler and very hardworking. But make no mistake; he can also score goals – netting both goals in the 2-0 reserves win last week.
His attitude is impeccable and he leads by example, skippering the Toffee's reserve side on more than one occasion, at such a young age.
Kevin McLeod (20) (Left/Central Midfield)
A fast, skilful midfielder who boasts versatility. His ‘vision' in the game is also well recognised. The 20 year old can play in his orthodox left wing position, or come inside and act as a central midfield man.
Like his team mate Osman, McLeod is finding it increasingly difficult to come into manager David Moyes' plans, as he battles back from injury.
Following his temporary absence from the scene, McLeod has been continually used in the reserves for maturation.
This season probably constitutes make or break for the young player who has spent his entire teenage life with Everton. He may fall into the Everton black hole for promising youngsters who are good…but not good enough.
Could be a very useful addition to the Imps squad.
Stephen Schumacher (18) (Central Midfield)
A couple of years back, Schumacher was touted as the “next best thing” to emerge into the Premiership. The influx of foreign talent to
Schumacher is the regular captain for his country at under 18's level. Stephen doesn't have quite the same speed as his namesake Michael Schumacher, but does have the skill and also takes a good corner. The clever and sensible Schumacher also shows a great amount of maturity and has the potential to advance in the game.
Damien Curran (20) (Left/ Central Midfield)
Curran has been cast as an outside bet when considering who Alan Buckley has his eye on, but still comes into contention. The youngster was on trial at Division Three promotion-chasers
Curran impressed in the Robins' reserve game against
Curran has now returned to Everton following his trial at the Third Division outfit.
* A spokesman for Everton is at this moment declining to comment, but beforehand dismissed the idea of Moyes releasing any of his squad players. A cover-up it seems. Imps fans must remain hopeful that the two clubs can come to an agreement…