O'Shea praise for James McClean impact

Sunderland's experienced Ireland international defender John O'Shea has spoken of the positive impact James McClean has had on the team since emerging on to the scene as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Blackburn on December 11. McClean’s impact has gradually increased and he has started in each of Sunderland’s last three games.

The Derry born left winger who has expressed a desire in joining O'Shea in the green of Ireland in the near future, has taken the Premiership by storm with his impressive wing play and strength on the ball. And McClean's chances of a call-up by Trapattoni received a boost yesterday when Trap commented "We have time, one month, two months before we will write the list of players. We are considering him, 100%. We just don't want to put him under pressure. That is important for him, he's 22-year old"

Speaking ahead of Sunderland's trip to Stamford Bridge for the Premiership clash with Chelsea O'Shea said “James has put in a number of brilliant performances and he’s done it all off his own back.

“No one has had to guide him through and already after a few games he looks like he can develop into a great player and be an important part of the squad.

“He causes so many problems for the opposition. He’s quick, he’s strong and he’s got a lot to his game. He gets into great positions and he’s been rewarded for that with the goals he’s scored.

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O'Shea and Doyle back for Ireland

John O'Shea and Kevin Doyle are back in the Ireland team for tomorrow night's Euro 2012 play-off second leg against Estonia in Lansdowne Road.

Stephen Kelly at right back and Jon Walters in attack are the players that make way for the returning duo.

O'Shea comes back into the side following a hamstring injury, while Doyle returns from suspension to partner Robbie Keane in the Irish attack.

In a third change to the starting team from the first-leg encounter in Tallinn, Stephen Hunt takes Aiden McGeady's place on the wing, but Giovanni Trapattoni has indicated that Spartak Moscow man McGeady will play the second half of the game.

The Irish management team also confirmed that LA Galaxy requested Keane return to the United States following Ireland's 4-0 away win in A. Le Coq Arena. However, the team's captain has chosen to remain in international camp for the second leg.

LA Galaxy play Houston Dynamo in the final of the MLS Cup on Sunday, which explains the California team's desire to get the Ireland international back to the States.

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Sunderland complete O'Shea signing

Sunderland have completed the signing of Manchester United and Ireland defender John O'Shea.

O'Shea, 30, has signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Manager Steve Bruce said: "O'Shea's wealth of experience and versatility will be great attributes for us."

The Black Cats had a joint bid for O'Shea, Brown and midfielder Darron Gibson accepted last month, but the move for Gibson seems to have slowed with Stoke entering the race to sign the Derry born Ireland international.

Brown, 31, and O'Shea will add experience to a Sunderland defence that was badly affected by injuries last season.

Bruce added: "John has been a solid, consistent part of Manchester United's squad for well over a decade which goes to show the fantastic pedigree of player we have signed.

"He is a wonderful professional both on and off the field.

"I'm delighted with the players we've been able to secure ahead of the new season."

O'Shea, who has only ever played for United in his career, added: "Once I'd heard reports about the club and the people here, the ambitions and what the manager was all about, this was the only place I was going to come to."

John O'Shea - World Cup qualification would be huge

Manchester United's Waterford born defender John O'Shea has revealed his strong desire to go to next summer's World Cup with Ireland, having missed the squad back in his country's previous appearance in the competition in 2002.

The versatile defender failed to make the Ireland cut for the World Cup in 2002. Now firmly entrenched in coach Giovanni Trapattoni's plans, he admits that making it to the World Cup would be as big as anything he has achieved with the Red Devils.

"Obviously Mick stuck with the squad that got him there and there was no problem with that," O'Shea said to The Irish Independent.

"It would have been great to go. To get to a World Cup would be huge, it would be up there with anything that I've done. Time's running out, as they say."

Ireland play Italy at home on Saturday, and look to have a play-off spot all but guaranteed. If they are able to defeat the Azzurri, they may even have a narrow chance of topping their qualifying group, should they beat Montenegro at home & Italy fail to beat Cyprus.

O'Shea out of Ireland friendly

John O'Shea is out of Ireland's team to face South Africa in a friendly in Limerick this evening.

The defender has returned to Manchester United to have scans on a calf problem.

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni said the 28-year-old had been sent back to his club in an effort to prevent the damage from getting any worse.

O'Shea joins Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane, Kevin Kilbane and Stephen Hunt in the list of absentees for the match at Thomond Park in Limerick.

Manager Trapattoni had allowed Given, Dunne, Keane and Kilbane to return to their clubs.

Hunt misses the friendly at Thomond Park because of personal reasons.

Celtic defender Darren O'Dea, who is currently on loan at Reading, has been called up to the squad.

Alex Ferguson praise for John O'Shea

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has praised the performance's of John O'Shea during this season's campaign.

The Waterford born Ireland international has played in numerous roles for United this season which has earned him an almost regular start in the team over the course of the season so far.

"I feel blessed that we have players like John O'Shea, who has stepped in to play out of his skin," Fergie has said.

"John has thrived on playing regularly and I'm sure that if I asked him to play at centre-forward he would get us a goal.

"It's great to have such adaptable players and it's one of our strengths as we enter the last lap of the title race.

"The attitude of the players has been marvellous, especially when it comes to the business of being left out - there have been no dummies flying out of the pram.

"I hate telling a player that, although he has perhaps just delivered a top-class performance, I will not be using him in the next match.

"It's not nice, but it helps that the players understand."

Gibson & O'Shea to give Trapattoni the inside scoop of Berbatov

Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson hopes to give manager Giovanni Trapattoni the inside scoop on fellow Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov, ahead of the World Cup Qualifier against Bulgaria on March 28th.

Gibson and fellow Ireland star John O’Shea come up against their clubmate in the qualifier knowing that three points from the game will go some way to cementing their hopes of a play-off place in Group Eight.

“I am sure John O’Shea and I will give the manager tips on how to handle Berbatov,” he said.

“John will probably be playing centre-half against Bulgaria, so he will have a really good idea of what he is up against.

“He [Berbatov] is a world-class player, everyone knows what he can do and I have seen first-hand just what he is capable of. It is going to be great coming up against him. It is always good to come up against your team-mates, and hopefully we can win.”

Gibson played in the United side that won the Carling Cup on penalties against Tottenham on Sunday, and is delighted that he is now starting to get regular game time for the Premier League champions.

“My chances have come this season, and I have taken them as well, so I am delighted," he continued.

“It was absolutely brilliant to be out there, and although it was nerve-wracking to watch the penalty shoot-out, I thought that we deserved to win.

“I never worried that it was not going to happen for me United because I never really had a proper go at it. If it had not happened to me this season then perhaps I would have been worried.”

Given and O'Shea among FAI shortlists

Shay Given, John O'Shea and Kevin Doyle were short-listed for the senior international player of the year at today's announcement of the 19th eircom/FAI International Awards.

Bohemians dominate the League of Ireland awards with two of the three nominations after their double winning season. Owen Heary and Brian Murphy are joined by Keith Fahy, who starred for St. Patrick's Athletic this season including strong performances in the club's Uefa Cup games.

Reading striker Doyle, Manchester United's O'Shea and Newcastle goalkeeper Given were some of the best performers since Giovanni Trapattoni took over as Republic of Ireland boss.

The nominations were chosen by a panel from the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland and are divided into a number of categories. They include a Hall of Fame Award, a Special Merit Award and an International Personality Award which will be awarded on the night.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 8th in Citywest Hotel, Saggart, and all winners will be announced live on the night. The ceremony will be televised live on RTÉ Two with coverage from 8pm.

eircom/FAI 19th International Awards nominations:

Senior
Kevin Doyle - Reading
Shay Given - Newcastle United
John O'Shea - Manchester United

Young/U23
Aiden McGeady - Celtic
Andy Keogh - Wolves
Stephen Rice - Shamrock Rovers

U21
Owen Garvan - Ipswich Town
Stephen Quinn - Sheffield United
Darren O'Dea - Celtic

International Goal of the Year
Robbie Keane v Cyprus (H) 15/10/08
Andy Keogh v Serbia (H) 24/05/08
Kevin Doyle v Georgia (A) 6/09/08

League Of Ireland
Owen Heary (Bohemian FC)
Brian Murphy (Bohemian FC)
Keith Fahey (St. Patrick's Ath/Birmingham City)

U19 Nominees
Michael Spillane - Norwich
Brendan Moloney - Nottingham Forest
Garry Breen - Hereford United

U17 Nominees
Conor Hourihane - Sunderland
Ger Hanley - Salthill Devon
Aaron Doran - Blackburn Rovers