Osman is a graduate of Everton's youth set-up

Everton midfielder Leon Osman says he is excited by the Blues' crop of academy graduates.

Manager David Moyes included six teenagers in the squad that was beaten 3-2 by Blackburn on Saturday because of injuries and a reduced playing staff.

Osman told BBC Radio Merseyside: "The crop of boys coming through are really top players.

"We're counting on a few of them at the minute and they haven't let us down, they're looking really good."

Among the club's youthful contingent to figure against Blackburn was attacking midfielder Jose Baxter.

606: DEBATE I would rather spend money on improving the youngsters than second-rate stars who don't bluealways

Baxter, who was brought off the bench for the final 13 minutes of the game, became the youngest player to represent the Blues in a competitive league game at 16 years and 191 days old.

Osman feels the experience the younger players are gaining now can only help the Blues in the future.

"In another five years down the line they'll have another five years experience and they'll be really cracking on by that point - and still only be 21," he added.