"I guess I am the natural replacement for Sammy and I just want to get myself back on the pitch in the starting eleven again," said Osbourne to the CT.
"I have been pushing on a bit more in midfield but I would say that the job Sammy is doing is what I want to be doing in the future - that holding role because I am more of a defensive midfielder.
"It has been over two years now that I haven't played as a central midfielder and I had doubts in my head whether I could play that position again. "I played against Hinckley in the pre-season and I didn't play very well and that put doubts in my own head because it says a lot when you don't perform against smaller teams like that.
"I found myself struggling but I spoke to people afterwards and they reassured me that I just needed to get my awareness back, which would come with a few more games and training sessions, and I feel I am doing that now and I am comfortable in the position again.
"My dad has always watched me and he kept saying to me, 'You are not a right-back,' so I am just happy to be back playing in a position I want to play and I feel confident that I can do a job.
"It is nice when the manager rates you highly and lets other people know that because it gives you confidence going into your next games.
"There is always pressure to do well. Last year, I asked the gaffer to play in midfield and he said I couldn't because he hadn't seen me in that position, so I was looking forward to the opportunity and I performed all right and was rewarded with more starts.
"Aron Gunnarsson was left on the bench and I knew in the back of my mind that if I had an under par performance that he would be straight back in, and when he got his chance again he would be even hungrier to keep his place, which he was.
"But all I can worry about is my own ability and to make sure I am ready for every game.
"I can't afford to not be up for a game because if that happens you are out of the team.
"I am not a young boy any more and I want to be a main player in the team.
"I said at the start of the season that if I am not looked upon as a starting player then I will have to look at getting another club, but I have been given a chance and I have got to take it.
"This is my chance to improve and prosper and I need to take my game up a level now while Sammy is out.
"We have got two hard away games before a massive home game against West Brom. I want to do well for myself and the team. I believe if you look after yourself then everything else takes care of itself."