Osman’s joy for Gerrard

Leon Osman believes Steven Gerrard thoroughly deserves to join England’s exclusive 100 club.

Gerrard will become the sixth Englishman to reach a century of caps in tomorrow night’s friendly against Sweden after a scan yesterday revealed he suffered no knee ligament damage in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

It will allow the 32-year-old to join the centurions’ list alongside Peter Shilton, David Beckham, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright.

Such a landmark seems far removed from junior football days, where Osman first came across Gerrard almost two decades ago.

But even then, Gerrard was a bit special and Osman feels this latest honour is richly deserved.

“It is fantastic to get to 100 caps,” the Everton midfielder, who in stark contrast is hoping to make his England debut at 31, said. “There is only a select band that has managed to do it and Steven deserves to be in that crew.

“He is a fantastic player and a leader of men.

“We first played against each other on Merseyside when we were 12 or 13. To see him now get to his 100th cap is fantastic but not surprising.”

Until they met up in Manchester yesterday, Osman’s assessment of Gerrard’s qualities has come exclusively from being on the opposing team.

Daniel Sturridge has benefited from being in the same camps as Gerrard and has profited personally from his vast experience.

“Hopefully he will be running out on the field and picking up his 100th on Wednesday,” said the Chelsea man.