Sources close to Leon Osman have revealed that he is contemplating hanging up his boots as his current injury looks likely to end his career.

Osman suffered a split tendon in his foot in the away defeat to Manchester City in December after making 16 appearances for the Blues this season, and although he has so far avoided surgery, it is now thought that it could be his only option.

With a lengthy lay off already on the cards, an operation would set Osman back in his recovery and we have been told that he is considering whether he will ever play again.

Having worked his way up through the ranks at Everton, Osman is now one of the senior players at the club after serving the first team for the past ten years, and his presence will be missed if he chooses to retire from the game.

Highlights of his career include goals in key games such as the 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the 2004-05 season, as well as this wonderful strike against AS Larissa.