MANAGER David Moyes says he would never contemplate selling Leon Osman.

The 29-year-old midfielder produced a man-of-the-match performance in Saturday's 2-0 win over Sunderland, laying on the assist for the first of Jermaine Beckford's double.

Moyes admits Osman may not be the most effective player in the squad but believes his attitude and commitment to the Goodison Park side cannot be bettered.

The Everton manager says Osman, along with Tony Hibbert, are having to adapt to life without assurances of regular first-team action but consistently respond with top displays when called upon.

Following the departure of Steven Pienaar to Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, Osman has started three times and is increasingly finding more opportunities to play.

Hibbert has not featured since the FA Cup third round tie at Scunthorpe – one of only seven starts the defender has had this campaign – yet Moyes sees he and Osman as integral members of the Everton squad and reaffirmed their importance by saying whilst he is in charge, the duo will be at the club.

“We’ve never given up on Ossie,” said Moyes, whose side take on Reading the Cup this evening.

“As long as I’m here Ossie will be here and Tony Hibbert, as long as they want to be here.

“They know what the club’s about. They know what’s required and they know what I’m about and from that point of view I think they’re really important.

“Ossie would have played any position on Saturday. Hibbo, I know if I put him in he’ll never let me down, he’ll always give me his best.