• Premier League

Osman calls for Everton focus

Leon Osman still believes that Everton can achieve a Champions League spot © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Anichebe retires from international football
  
• News: Carragher wants to bow out with derby win
  
• News: Baines: Liverpool will miss Suarez
  
• News: Jelavic still has Moyes' backing
  

Leon Osman has challenged his Everton team-mates to end 14 years of Anfield disappointment in Sunday's Merseyside derby.

The club have not enjoyed an away win over Liverpool since Kevin Campbell's early goal secured a 1-0 Premier League victory in September 1999.

Everton had managed seven draws on their 13 league and cup visits since then, but midfielder Osman believes it is time for another victory.

"It is certainly something we need to put right," Osman told the club's official website. "It's a long time since we've gone there and come back with three points. It's a place we need to go to and win.

"We've shown we can win at Goodison Park, but we want to go there and do the same."

A run of five victories from their last eight league games means Everton have retained a mathematical chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League, as they lie five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with three matches left.

A win at Anfield on Sunday would guarantee David Moyes' side a finish above Liverpool in this season's Premier League.

"We're five points above them at the minute and a win would certainly be great for us," Osman added. "But we're still on the coat-tails of the teams above us and we're trying to win for that reason as well."

The 31-year-old, whose successful season included an England debut against Sweden in November, scored his first derby goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Goodison Park in October, and is looking to add another.

"Scoring would be great." Osman said. "I'd be delighted if I could get another goal, especially at Anfield, but the points are more important to us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.