Manchester United centre back John O'Shea is poised for his first cap against Croatia at Lansdowne Road this evening, and is hoping the transition from United's reserves to the international scene will go as smoothly as his spell in Belgium last season. The Waterford born defender impressed on loan to Belgian First Division side Royal Antwerp following an earlier spell at Bournemouth, but he is back at Old Trafford and knocking on the first team door after a successful pre-season.
O'Shea's appearances for the Red Devils will be restricted because of the daunting array of talent ahead of him in the queue for the two central defensive roles, with the likes of Jaap Stam, Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Ronnie Johnsen and Ronnie Wallwork all vying for places. However, O'Shea is patient and believes his time on the continent can only help him establish himself in the first team. Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1 this morning, O'Shea insisted: "Last season I played with Royal Antwerp in Belgium, playing for more than five months in the first team in the top league which I needed, and made a welcome change from playing with the reserves. It's a tougher standard and as a result was a great experience. I could possibly be in the first team at another club, but that's something I have to deal with at a club like Manchester United. I'm just looking forward to the season ahead and it's already been good after the call-up to the senior Irish set-up."
Ferguson has already suggested that the 20-year-old is ready to make the step up to international standard, which understandably delights the Waterford man. He added: "Yeah, I'm delighted with that, it's a great boost to my confidence, but I want to be ready to play for the United first team as well."
O'Shea, a frightening figure at 6' 3", joins a host of young talent in McCarthy's squad for tonight's friendly, and although he is not starting, he is expected to feature at some stage as both sides intend to use nine substitutes. O'Shea continued: "We have a good crop of younger players coming through and it's great to have them pushing the older lads for a place in the side. It was invaluable to come through the Under-21s, and as you train with the seniors you get a feel for what it's like. It's up to the manager whether I make my debut against the Croatians, but whether I get five, ten or 45 minutes, I'll be delighted to take the chance. It will also be great to play in the same team as club captain Roy Keane, who gives everything when he pulls on the green jersey."
Filed by Shane Murray
