Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes that the current Toffees team is the best one he has played in during his decade at the club.

The Merseysides are currently fifth in the Premier League table and advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Monday after thrashing Cheltenham Town 5-1.

The England international feels that their achievements are no coincidence, and that his side need to maintain their impressive form.

"I would say this is probably the best Everton team in my time here," said Osman. "We've had some good teams over the years and some good seasons where we've finished high up in the league and got to cup finals.

"But, with the football we are playing and the games we are winning, I'd have to say this is the best team. We've got a bit of variety to our game. We pass but we are happy to go direct as well and mix the game up. That's difficult to defend against I suppose.

"We hope we are getting closer to winning a trophy. We've been developing as a team and we are finding the way to win games now. We drew a lot at the start of the season. Hopefully we've found a way to turn them into wins and that will put us in good stead until the end of the season."

Everton host Swansea City on Saturday.