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Toffeelinks 9/11/12 - Osman with the call-up!

We have a bunch of links here talking about Leon Osman's maiden call-up to the England squad for next week's friendly, as well as something special for the ladies that follow Everton.

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Like Hibbert, Osman scores when he wants.
Like Hibbert, Osman scores when he wants.
Clive Brunskill

First things first, hearty congratulations go out to Leon Osman on his selection to the England squad to face Sweden in Stockholm next week.

Osman's ability to keep the ball wins him an England call - Daily Telegraph

Osman finally receives his reward for years of solid, if unspectacular, performances in midfield, and in supporting the attack. However, with Hodgson building his midfield around Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverly, it remains to be seen if Osman gets to play at all.

Roy Hodgson: I have admired Leon Osman for the last five years - The Guardian

The England boss gives Osman his first opportunity at age 31, stating that he had been watching his work since his return to the Premiership five years ago with Fulham and then his stints at Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion.

Leon Osman: If I was ever to get called up then that would be great - BBC Sport

With a chance to be joint fifth for England's oldest post-War debut, Ossie has flown under the radar for most of his career. He is also eligible to play for either Turkey or Cyprus through his father, but always chose to play for England if the call ever came.

Moyes attributes Osman's - and Everton's - good form led to the call-up - Daily Mail

Everton manager Moyes once stated that Osman and fellow cornerstone Tony Hibbert would have jobs for life at Goodison. Now it looks like Osman might have a chance to contribute for the Three Lions as well.

And now the news that all the ladies have been waiting for..

Everton players to bare all for a '12 Shades of Blue' charity calendar - Liverpool Echo

In a cheeky nod to the now (in)famous Mr. Grey, the Everton boys will be posing in various states of undress for a 2013 calendar. More details to follow, but here's the link with sneak peeks at Tim Howard and Marouane Fellaini!

And finally, some squad news.

Darron Gibson injury nightmare almost over - Liverpool Echo

Toffee fans the world over will be very relieved to hear that Gibson has resumed light training this week and could be in line for a return to the first team for next weekend's trip to Reading. Hibbert has also been training and should be in the squad for this weekend.

Butland admits future out of his hands, Everton & Southampton interested - Daily Mail

Teenage goalkeeper Jack Butland, who starred for United Kingdom in the 2012 Olympics, might be one of the first Birmingham City players to be sold off with their owner facing embezzlement charges. The Toffees and Saints are reportedly in the hunt for the goalie who might come with an £8 million price tag.