Paul McShane

[OwlsFan]

He's the worst player I've seen since Lee Chapman.. I watched the Newcastle game and he is terrible. So bad.. I think Keano is losing it..

Lee Chapman !!?? 63 goals in 149 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday. If he is one of the worst players you've seen, you must spend a lot of time watching Brazil.

McShane was played out of position on Sunday at full back and with it being his first game back, he was very low on confidence and it showed. I felt for him and you could see how disappointed with himself he was when leaving the pitch. Keane shaking his head at a few of his inaccurate passes probably didn't help much either.

If WBA go up, he might go back to them and resurrect his career.

[Pike B]

Lee Chapman !!?? 63 goals in 149 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday. If he is one of the worst players you've seen, you must spend a lot of time watching Brazil.

McShane was played out of position on Sunday at full back and with it being his first game back, he was very low on confidence and it showed. I felt for him and you could see how disappointed with himself he was when leaving the pitch. Keane shaking his head at a few of his inaccurate passes probably didn't help much either.

If WBA go up, he might go back to them and resurrect his career.
Ha ha ha... I love it!! :D. Lee Chapman has fans!!!

[lionelhutz]

I think he let the first goal get to him. He didn't realise Owen was making the run until it was too late and he couldn't recover. IMO not many defenders would have been able to match the run of Owen but there's no doubt it affected his confidence for the rest of the game. I think he's just going through a bad patch and he'll recover because he's such a strong character

[Wolfie]

McShane has had a tough time of it this season. I feel sorry for him as it was a big opportunity to really establish himself.

Earlier in the season, he was cruelly exposed against Everton to a career damaging degree although Sunderland were outplayed throughout the park that day.

As pointed out above - Newcastle was his first game back and confidence was at an obvious low ebb. Have to sympathise with him. The commitment is there and it's been a baptism of fire for him in the Premiership.

Trying to be optimisic - he'll become battle hardened and a bit more street wise.

It's an impossible league to compete in on guts alone - his reading of the game is going to have to become razor sharp to counteract his less than blistering pace. His distribution of the ball will have to improve dramatically as well as this can land him in trouble at times.

If he gets through this harrowing time on the pitch - he'll become a better and wiser player.

[Pike B]

McShane has had a tough time of it this season. I feel sorry for him as it was a big opportunity to really establish himself.

Earlier in the season, he was cruelly exposed against Everton to a career damaging degree although Sunderland were outplayed throughout the park that day.

As pointed out above - Newcastle was his first game back and confidence was at an obvious low ebb. Have to sympathise with him. The commitment is there and it's been a baptism of fire for him in the Premiership.

Trying to be optimisic - he'll become battle hardened and a bit more street wise.

It's an impossible league to compete in on guts alone - his reading of the game is going to have to become razor sharp to counteract his less than blistering pace. His distribution of the ball will have to improve dramatically as well as this can land him in trouble at times.

If he gets through this harrowing time on the pitch - he'll become a better and wiser player.
Like Lee Chapman.. or Brian Deane or Phil Babb or Vinnie Jones...
In my opinion he's not even related to a footballer.... Sorry lads..

[tetsujin1979]

Like Lee Chapman.. or Brian Deane or Phil Babb or Vinnie Jones...
In my opinion he's not even related to a footballer.... Sorry lads..
Lee Chapman has a League winner's medal. Wasn't a bad striker for Leeds when they won it.

[FarBeag]

What is good about his play apart from his determination? Why do people use his age as an excuse when clearly its his ability that is the problem? Look at Johnny Evans who is younger, no excuses there. McShane is a disaster waiting to happen. I am sure Keane bought him to use as a centre back, a position he could not hold onto at West Brom but even when there are injuries he still wont risk him there.. He might get away with some sloppy play at rt back but not in the centre.I have seen him play well once and that was against the Czechs. Paddy Mcarthy Joe O’Cearuill and Sean St Ledger are much better players imo.

[jmurphyc]

I am sure Keane bought him to use as a centre back, a position he could not hold onto at West Brom but even when there are injuries he still wont risk him there

Wasn't he West Brom's player of the year? I know he was definitely Brighton's player of the year. As for using his age as an excuse, what about Dunne at his age? He wasn't setting the world alight when he was younger and now he's one of the best in the Premiership. McShane will probably improve. I'd say he's just moved to the Premier League at too young an age. If he drops down a division and waits a while to come back up I think it will make him a better player. IMO it was foolish for Keane to bring him back for such a big game.

[eirebhoy]

I have seen him play well once and that was against the Czechs.
See him against Berbatov no? He's put in a few motm performances for Sunderland against target men. I really believe McShane has the brain but just lacks the knowledge if that makes sense. With experience he'll become a very good player imo.

I watched yesterday's game and as usual he was poor at right back. He seemed to be up against both Martins and Owen though. Viduka is the type of player he thrives against.

[FarBeag]

Wasn't he West Brom's player of the year? I know he was definitely Brighton's player of the year. As for using his age as an excuse, what about Dunne at his age? He wasn't setting the world alight when he was younger and now he's one of the best in the Premiership. McShane will probably improve. I'd say he's just moved to the Premier League at too young an age. If he drops down a division and waits a while to come back up I think it will make him a better player. IMO it was foolish for Keane to bring him back for such a big game.

Yes! he was player of the year at both clubs but probably could get away with his over active type of play that he would not do in the premiership. Everyone loves a player like McShane who is determined, committed ,full of energy and enthusiastic but he is just too prone to making mistakes. He just appears way a very anxious player all the time as though he is walking on hot coals.

I would not compare him to Richard Dunne at all. Dunne always showed how much potential he had and luckily for us he pulled his finger out before it got too late but he always had this ability. I just wish I could be more optimistic McShanes future.

[eirebhoy]

Puyol has a similar syle of play too. Search Keane v Puyol on youtube for a clip of him looking like a headless chicken. McShane's style of play doesn't do him any favours in terms of looking like he knows what he's doing.

[FarBeag]

Puyol has a similar syle of play too. Search Keane v Puyol on youtube for a clip of him looking like a headless chicken. McShane's style of play doesn't do him any favours in terms of looking like he knows what he's doing.



His rushed type of play does remind me a bit of Puyol but that's as far as it goes. I just think that if he was good enough to play at centre back for Sunderland he would be a regular there by now. Their present two centres are nothing to write home about but Keane sees them as the better option to McShane even when they are injured.I really hope that he proves me wrong but he will have to get away from Sunderland and go somewhere he can play as a regular centre back.

[carloz]

Unfortunatly there always seems to be a mistake in the guy, and particularly at international level, you cant carry a player like that. I still feel he is a good squad player for us to have but little else. His mistake for the first goal really was a schoolboy error. i felt really sorry for him as i was hoping he would have a good game.

[rovers77]

I wonder did he set too high of an expectation for himself by having such a good game for Ireland at the start of his international career?

[Seagull-4-life]

McShane is an awful player and all the heart in the world won't change that

[EalingGreen]

What is good about his play apart from his determination? Why do people use his age as an excuse when clearly its his ability that is the problem? Look at Johnny Evans who is younger, no excuses there. McShane is a disaster waiting to happen. I am sure Keane bought him to use as a centre back, a position he could not hold onto at West Brom but even when there are injuries he still wont risk him there.. He might get away with some sloppy play at rt back but not in the centre.I have seen him play well once and that was against the Czechs. Paddy Mcarthy Joe O’Cearuill and Sean St Ledger are much better players imo.

Agree that Keane will have seen McShane as a CB. Remember, he only signed McShane after being "gazumped" at the very last minute by Sanchez over a £3m signing of Chris Baird, who played the whole of last season at CB for Southampton (Curiously, Baird has been dreadful for Fulham, playing out of position at Right Back. Like McShane?).

And ever since Evans joined Sunderland on loan in Jan.2007, Keane has been desperate to sign him full time. Even now, he is reported to be still keen (sorry:o), despite a price tag of maybe £5m or more.

My guess is that Keane sees McShane as no more than useful back up, a squad player, until he can get someone better in his place.

[EalingGreen]

Wasn't he West Brom's player of the year? I know he was definitely Brighton's player of the year. As for using his age as an excuse, what about Dunne at his age? He wasn't setting the world alight when he was younger and now he's one of the best in the Premiership.

One crucial difference between Dunne and McShane. Dunne was poor early on in his career, but not through any lack of ability; rather, his attitude was all wrong (too much drinking etc.). Once he sorted that out, his ability has shone through, making him one of the top CB's in the Prem.

Whereas no-one doubts McShane's attitude. His problem may be more than just a temporary lack of confidence. It's beginning to look like a lack of basic ability. And that's a hell of a sight harder to sort out than a bad attitude.

In the end, Sir Alex Ferguson's early judgement may be being proved right. When McShane was a promising youngster at OT and looking for games, in the end, Ferguson let him leave permanently. By contrast, he has done much more to keep Jonny Evans (a year younger) on MU's books, by loaning him out first to Belgium, then to Sunderland.

And it is being said that the only reason he is now considering selling Evans permanently, is in order to reassure Pique that he is next in line at OT, after Vidic and Ferdinand. (Otherwise, Pique will likely p iss off to Spain, where he would have his pick - sorry :o - of good clubs)

In the end, it's no real shame for Evans being rated behind the exceptional Pique, esp when Ferguson can probably demand £5m+ for him. But whichever, for all that he seems a decent sort, McShane doesn't belong in either of the other two player's company (imo).

[FarBeag]

One crucial difference between Dunne and McShane. Dunne was poor early on in his career, but not through any lack of ability; rather, his attitude was all wrong (too much drinking etc.). Once he sorted that out, his ability has shone through, making him one of the top CB's in the Prem.

Whereas no-one doubts McShane's attitude. His problem may be more than just a temporary lack of confidence. It's beginning to look like a lack of basic ability. And that's a hell of a sight harder to sort out than a bad attitude.

In the end, Sir Alex Ferguson's early judgement may be being proved right. When McShane was a promising youngster at OT and looking for games, in the end, Ferguson let him leave permanently. By contrast, he has done much more to keep Jonny Evans (a year younger) on MU's books, by loaning him out first to Belgium, then to Sunderland.

And it is being said that the only reason he is now considering selling Evans permanently, is in order to reassure Pique that he is next in line at OT, after Vidic and Ferdinand. (Otherwise, Pique will likely p iss off to Spain, where he would have his pick - sorry :o - of good clubs)

In the end, it's no real shame for Evans being rated behind the exceptional Pique, esp when Ferguson can probably demand £5m+ for him. But whichever, for all that he seems a decent sort, McShane doesn't belong in either of the other two player's company (imo).

Totally agree with this assessment. Well presented.

[Seagull-4-life]

My guess is that Keane sees McShane as no more than useful back up, a squad player, until he can get someone better in his place.

Thing is though he's not a useful back up.
His fault for Owen's first goal and apparently he was dire throughout the match.

[co. down green]

As far as I remember, McShane actually left United as he wasn’t happy being asked to train with the reserves after his successful loan spell with Brighton, where he was voted their player of the year in 2006. He said at the time he wanted regular first team football. Ferguson was keen for him to stay and he was offered a contract extension.

In saying that, he’s clearly out of his depth at the moment and the lack of games isn’t helping his confidence.

[geysir]

It's hard to equate McShanes form now with his evident promise.
West Brom did much better in that deal than Man U.
You would have seen one or two cóckups in each game when he played for Ireland but nothing too serious as not to justify his nr 6 shirt at Sunderland.
Scouting Report WBA (http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/04/17/scouting_report_paul_mcshane_w.html)

Looks like he will have to go back to a Championship team.

[DeNiro]

Thing is though he's not a useful back up.
His fault for Owen's first goal and apparently he was dire throughout the match.

There's no apparently about it Seagull, he was shocking. Looks drained off confidence, a pale shadow of the guy who marked Jan Koller in October 2006. I don't know really what role he's going to have with Ireland. Can't see him as a right back, he's not good enough for back up really. So, it looks like a Dunne-O'Shea partnership there, unless they talk Andy O'Brien around.

[Condex]

McShane was shocking against newcastle, in fact its been a long time since i seen a defender play as bad...apart from John O shea of course who is consistently shocking.

Mind you, Stephen Kelly wasnt much better against villa, ashley young took him to the cleaners at will.

Pray Finann returns to help out Richard Dunne or we have no chance in qualification in our group.

My sentinments exactly, we have one crap defence..

[John83]

One crucial difference between Dunne and McShane. Dunne was poor early on in his career, but not through any lack of ability; rather, his attitude was all wrong (too much drinking etc.). Once he sorted that out, his ability has shone through, making him one of the top CB's in the Prem.

Whereas no-one doubts McShane's attitude. His problem may be more than just a temporary lack of confidence. It's beginning to look like a lack of basic ability. And that's a hell of a sight harder to sort out than a bad attitude.

In the end, Sir Alex Ferguson's early judgement may be being proved right. When McShane was a promising youngster at OT and looking for games, in the end, Ferguson let him leave permanently. By contrast, he has done much more to keep Jonny Evans (a year younger) on MU's books, by loaning him out first to Belgium, then to Sunderland.

And it is being said that the only reason he is now considering selling Evans permanently, is in order to reassure Pique that he is next in line at OT, after Vidic and Ferdinand. (Otherwise, Pique will likely p iss off to Spain, where he would have his pick - sorry :o - of good clubs)

In the end, it's no real shame for Evans being rated behind the exceptional Pique, esp when Ferguson can probably demand £5m+ for him. But whichever, for all that he seems a decent sort, McShane doesn't belong in either of the other two player's company (imo).


Totally agree with this assessment. Well presented.
And wrong. Ferguson had no desire to let McShane go. The lad demanded a transfer, having decided that he needed first team football.

[eirebhoy]

Thankfully McShane's early Ireland performances will be fresh in Traps mind after watching them in the last few months. He was pretty much as solid as Dunne for us up until the last 2 games (Cyprus -h, Wales -a).

[Reality Bites]

Thankfully McShane's early Ireland performances will be fresh in Traps mind

Eireboy Out of Interest, why do you make this statement! I would have thought Mcshanes days are numbered at premiership and international level.

[eirebhoy]

Because I stil rate him and would happily have a Dunne-McShane partnership for Ireland, considering we haven't much option but to play O'Shea left back.

[BigmanCas]

Because I stil rate him and would happily have a Dunne-McShane partnership for Ireland, considering we haven't much option but to play O'Shea left back.

EB I am sorry but his performances this year for Sunderland have been abysmal. He is a substandard player and will be shipped out at the end of the year. I think he was at fault for five of the goals against Everton. Is this the type of player you want to play in the centre of Irelands defence. Bad and all JOS is he was never at fault for five goals in any one game. Open your eyes and see him for what he truely is... ' an accident that has happened'... I could have told you that on his debut... he was good granted but where was he for Kollers goal.... Paul Mc Shane = No good.

[eirebhoy]

Is this the type of player you want to play in the centre of Irelands defence.
Beside Dunne I'd certainly have no problem.


he was good granted but where was he for Kollers goal....
Doing what he should have been doing. Not at fault for that goal in the slightest imo.

[tetsujin1979]

EB I am sorry but his performances this year for Sunderland have been abysmal.Picked out by football365 as one of the best players against Spurs in the first game of the season

I think he was at fault for five of the goals against Everton.Then why wasn't he dropped in the following game, and the goalkeeper was?

Is this the type of player you want to play in the centre of Irelands defence.If he was playing regularly in the Premier League, then yes. We're not in a position to refuse players like that

Bad and all JOS is he was never at fault for five goals in any one game.I can count on one hand the amount of times United have shipped five goals in one game, with or without JOS. Sunderland are not Manchester United.

Open your eyes and see him for what he truely is... ' an accident that has happened'... I could have told you that on his debut... he was good granted but where was he for Kollers goal.... Paul Mc Shane = No good.He was MOTM on his debut against the Czechs. It's been repeatedly pointed out on the forum that O'Shea was far more at fault for that goal than McShane, he passed the ball back to the Czechs, then turned his back on the player taking the free kick, leaving McShane to deal with it all by himself.

[eirebhoy]

It was only a friendly but O'Shea-O'Brien vs Holland was one of the worst defensive partnerships I can remember for us. Dunne is obviously crucial but after that it's much of a muchness. O'Brien and Dunne have never looked comfortable together. O'Brien isn't much of an organiser and I think Dunne prefers to play beside a less experienced player where he's comfortable shouting instructions. When they play together they play as individuals. McShane on his day is excellent and I think once he has Dunne beside him he'll be fine.

He's also the type of person that'd read loads of books just to improve his knowledge of the game and he's an intelligent guy. At his peak I'm sure he's gonna be a very good player.

[youngirish]

Hopefully O'Dea or St Ledger will be a viable option come the first set of qualifiers. O'Dea needs to start next season getting regular football.

I wouldn't write McShane off yet as he has in the past proven that he is capable of putting in exceptional performances in games in addition to dismal ones unlike the likes of John O'Shea who is never exceptional, regularly inconspicious and occasionally dire. This at least shows McShane has talent but needs to develop the consistency to back it up.

He needs a spell back in The Championship playing at centre back as I don't think he's ever going to be a decent fullback. His reading of the game is yet not good enough to overcome his severe lack of pace which is regularly exposed in the Premiership.

Remember how dire Dunne was when he first broke into the Everton team and was played as a fullback? There is hope yet but he needs to move.

[BigmanCas]

Beside Dunne I'd certainly have no problem.


Doing what he should have been doing. Not at fault for that goal in the slightest imo.

EB a blind man could see that he was at fault for that goal..

Where will he be playing next year, I ask? It will certainly not be in the Premiership. I would love to see him excel - do get me wrong, but ask any Sunderland fan and they'll tell you.

Tetsujin1979 - he was also named by Football365 in the 'worst team of the year'.????? what does that say about him?

[tetsujin1979]

Tetsujin1979 - he was also named by Football365 in the 'worst team of the year'.????? what does that say about him?
you quoted the letters page on f365, what does that say about you?

[eirebhoy]

EB a blind man could see that he was at fault for that goal..
I've had this debate many times. What would a top class centre half have done in that position that McShane didn't (left one on one with Koller)?


but ask any Sunderland fan and they'll tell you.
If Bobo Balde was playing for Sunderland this season his reputation would be probably even lower than McShane's. If Sunderland had Kenny Cunningham of 4 years ago playing for them and Balde joined I bet he'd be regarded as a very good centre half. Balde can literally look world class beside the right player. When partnering someone who is also not a great organiser he's dire at the best of times. Balde never picked up much positional sense throughout his career. He relied on guys like Mjallby to guide him. Mjallby-Balde was one hell of a partnership though.

McShane will pick up the tactical knowledge but atm he requires someone to guide him and get the best out of him.

[BigmanCas]

you quoted the letters page on f365, what does that say about you?

I am merely pointing out a fact.

[Pike B]

He is typical of the Irish/British type of defender.
No technical ability or football skill of any kind, but he sticks his foot in and can head a ball.
Great.. Give him PFA player of the year then....
B.LL.CKS
All in my humble opinion of course...

[tetsujin1979]

I am merely pointing out a fact.

The only fact is that he was one of the worst players in the Premier League this season, in the opinion of one fan who wrote in to F365

[the doc]

Hopefully O'Dea or St Ledger will be a viable option come the first set of qualifiers. O'Dea needs to start next season getting regular football.

I wouldn't write McShane off yet as he has in the past proven that he is capable of putting in exceptional performances in games in addition to dismal ones unlike the likes of John O'Shea who is never exceptional, regularly inconspicious and occasionally dire. This at least shows McShane has talent but needs to develop the consistency to back it up.

He needs a spell back in The Championship playing at centre back as I don't think he's ever going to be a decent fullback. His reading of the game is yet not good enough to overcome his severe lack of pace which is regularly exposed in the Premiership.

Remember how dire Dunne was when he first broke into the Everton team and was played as a fullback? There is hope yet but he needs to move.

Well St Ledger has to be given the chance, having been outstanding for PNE this season.

He has now played over 80 games for Preston so far, playing at CB, RB and Defensive Midfield.

It beggers belief as to why he was not chosen for the training squad at the very least.

Very comfortable on the ball, good in the air, has pace, reads the game well and has good leadership qualities, for me an ideal CB partner along side Dunne.

[BigmanCas]

The only fact is that he was one of the worst players in the Premier League this season, in the opinion of one fan who wrote in to F365

So you are saying he shouldn't have be named in this particular 'Premierships Numpties XI' because why? - he had a good game against spurs on the first day of the season. Face facts! Smell the Coffee! Whether or not the Numpties X1 is the opinion of one fan or not, the fact remains he would be on most peoples team sheet if they were to choose. It just so happens that it has been the only 'Numpties XI' I've seen to date - whether or not it was on F365 and subjective is not the issue.

[eirebhoy]

You still haven't answered my question about the Koller goal BMC.

[BigmanCas]

You still haven't answered my question about the Koller goal BMC.

He was turned far to easily IMO. No excuses for that.

[tetsujin1979]

So you are saying he shouldn't have be named in this particular 'Premierships Numpties XI' because why? - he had a good game against spurs on the first day of the season. Face facts! Smell the Coffee! Whether or not the Numpties X1 is the opinion of one fan or not, the fact remains he would be on most peoples team sheet if they were to choose. It just so happens that it has been the only 'Numpties XI' I've seen to date - whether or not it was on F365 and subjective is not the issue.Fair enough, I just wouldn't consider the opinion of one fan on a letters page to be worth posting


He was turned far to easily IMO. No excuses for that.What about O'Shea's involvement in it?

[Dr. Ogba]

So you are saying he shouldn't have be named in this particular 'Premierships Numpties XI' because why? - he had a good game against spurs on the first day of the season. Face facts! Smell the Coffee! Whether or not the Numpties X1 is the opinion of one fan or not, the fact remains he would be on most peoples team sheet if they were to choose. It just so happens that it has been the only 'Numpties XI' I've seen to date - whether or not it was on F365 and subjective is not the issue.


BMC did you write this particular letter to f365 by any chance?

[osarusan]

the fact remains he would be on most peoples team sheet if they were to choose.
That's not a fact, it's a hypothetical.

[The Legend]

In Summary, things are so bad now that I am in praying for Andy o Brien to change his mind... :(

I think Paul McShane is done, another Gary Breen...
might work out for some lower division club somewhere but not international level or english premiership

[Qwerty]

In Summary, things are so bad now that I am in praying for Andy o Brien to change his mind... :(

I think Paul McShane is done, another Gary Breen...
might work out for some lower division club somewhere but not international level or english premiership

Honestly the same old rubbish trotted out time and time again, Breen may not have been as talented as McGrath or Moran but he gave it his best and gave us great service down the years, had a fine WC in 02. O'Brien likewise has been very solid for Ireland. Their record is good and they can be proud of what they accomplished.

McShane is in a real slump right now, he needs to get his confidence back but he lacks height and turn of speed. But he is still young and probably has the strength of character to recover, whether his level is Premier League or Championship is tbd, though certainly looking like the latter right now.

[eirebhoy]

Sorry for repeating myself yet again but lack of height doesn't seem to bother him in the slightest if he can put in motm performances against Koller, Berbatov, B.McCarthy and Davies. Put him at centre half, let him man mark a target man and he's proven he can eat them up. :)

[BigmanCas]

In Summary, things are so bad now that I am in praying for Andy o Brien to change his mind... :(

I think Paul McShane is done, another Gary Breen...
might work out for some lower division club somewhere but not international level or english premiership

Someone is making sense at last!!!

[tetsujin1979]

He's still young, it's not like he's not going to learn, or improve in the next few years. Dunne played for a season in the Championship with Man City, and when they were promoted was dropped from the side. Nobody at that point could have predicted what kind of player he was going to become.