John O'Shea

[The Money Man]

Below is an extract from 'United We Stand' (Man U Fanzine) report on the Worthington Cup game the other night.

"John O'Shea was the surprise inclusion of the night playing in central midfield. Once again the Irishman proved that he is well on his way to becoming the greatest living footballer by strolling around and making the game we all so desperately wanted to be good at seem so f**king easy.
Ba*tard!"

I personally despise the Mancs. Yes this is a serious exaggeration of the fact. Nice that they hold John in such esteem though!

[dosullivan]

I think this guy is somewhat wasted as a left back. The more I see him play, especially at such a high level, I think he could contribute more as a defensive midfielder. His passing is excellent, he is an excellent reader of the game and has plenty of pace.
Any thoughts on this?

[Schumi]

I think he's wasted at left back as well but I'd have him in centre defence.

[Niamh_GalwayGal]

He is good at getting forward down that side of the wing though and he's a good supply man

[brine2]

He's a future Ireland captain.

[John83]

Let's just all agree that he's one hell of a player.

[Niamh_GalwayGal]

He got Trick Of The Week on Uefa for his nutmeg on figo -
http://www.uefa.com/trainingground/N...sId=66233.html

[Neil]

I read he just signed a £7m contract with Manchester.
How bad!

[gustavo]

why is that bad

[ElSieteSecretos]

'Shea backs Roy Keane return


Saturday, April 24 2004 1:23

John O'Shea has given his full backing to Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane's international return.

The young defender is set to play in the same Irish side as Keane for the first time on Wednesday when Brian Kerr's men take on Poland in Bydgoszcz.

As a relative newcomer to the national side, O'Shea only has second hand accounts of Keane's controversial departure from the Ireland squad during the 2002 World Cup after a bust-up with coach Mick McCarthy.

Two years on and with McCarthy now replaced by Kerr, Keane offered to return to the fold. And though opinion here is still divided over whether the 32-year-old midfielder's olive branch should have been accepted, Kerr had little hesitation in naming him in his squad at the earliest possible opportunity.

There may yet be some bridges to build with certain members of the squad, but O'Shea is adamant Keane should be part of the team aiming to reach the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"I am delighted to have him back," said the 22-year-old. "He will be just as important to Ireland as he is to Manchester United, particularly in midfield where we have a few young, talented lads."

"The likes of Andy Reid, Liam Miller, Stephen Reid and, when he is fit, Colin Healy will have the chance to pick up so much experience. When you learn from Roy Keane, you are learning from the best in the business."

Kerr has been careful not to rock the Irish boat too much and has opted to retain Kenny Cunningham as skipper, even though Keane's experience in the role vastly outweighs that of the Birmingham defender. And even though the possibility of friction is something that has crossed O'Shea's mind, he is sure between them Kerr and Keane can iron out any problems.

"I am sure the two of them will have spoken about it and it's something they will deal with when the situation arises," he said. "When the team meets up, probably there will be something that happens which deals with Roy coming back. I'm sure Brian is clever enough to know what to do."

"I just think it is great news for Ireland and I am really looking forward to the game next week. Hopefully everything will go well and we can start concentrating on the football again."

Filed by Barry J Whyte

[ElSieteSecretos]

O' Shea is right, its what Ireland really needs in the midfield and the other players can learn from the best in the business!

[ElSieteSecretos]

He'd hardly disagree,now,FFS!

that is a good point

[Plastic Paddy]

What a finish!

PP

[ken foree]

agree! what a goal

[eirebhoy]

2 in 2 now. He's on fire.

[Slash/ED]

Over the past month or so O'Sheas really turned his game around, imo. He's looking as good as he was in his first season, obviously being dropped did the trick for him. Silvestres sending off will give him a chance, it's between him and Brown for what could be around three league games. Silvestre is a weak link and either one could force their way in in his absence imo, lets hope O'Shea gets the chance.

[eirebhoy]

How did O'Shea do when he came on anyway? Got a good half hour.

Robbie set up Spurs only goal when he was switched to the wing and Kelly seems to be first choice right back at Spurs. Jol, what a man.

[sylvo]

Fantastic goal, the look on his face as he looked at the linesman was also brilliant.

[Slash/ED]

I thought he was good, his passing was simple but effective most of the time and Arsenal couldn't create much after he came on which is a credit to him given he was being asked to do alot of defencive work. Another good performance by him capped by a stunning goal.

[JGKyne]

great finish, I didn't think he had it in him