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Date of Birth: Thursday, April 30, 1981
Birth Place: Ireland
Height: 190cm
Position: Midfielder
Former Clubs/Teams: Waterford United

Biography

John O’Shea is a talented footballer for the Republic of Ireland and Manchester United in the English Premier League. Whilst he started out as a left-back, he has played in every position for United (including in nets!) and continues to be used as a utility man – filling in where Sir Alex needs him. For Ireland, he plays in the centre of the pitch as a tough-tackling central midfielder.

Childhood

John O’Shea was born on 30th April 1981, in Waterford, Ireland. He was tipped as a youngster with some potential for some years, which led to invitations from Manchester United and Liverpool to spend the summer holidays with them. As a United fan, O’Shea chose to travel to Manchester, and enjoyed his time in the youth ranks. When he had finished school he moved to Manchester on a permanent basis with his family, and signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday.

Early Career

John O’Shea made his league debut not for Manchester United but for Bournemouth, where he was on loan. He was then farmed out during the 00/01 season to United’s Belgian partner club Royal Antwerp. His performances for them led to him being promoted to the first-team at Old Trafford in July 2001.

Current Club

John O’Shea was used sparingly at first. Playing as a right- or left-back, he was applauded for his willingness to get forwards and support attacks, whilst his height also made him a threat at set-pieces.

With Denis Irwin retired, John O’Shea was given his chance at left-back in the 02/03 season, and played over 30 league matches as United ran away with the league. Sir Alex Ferguson always insisted that when John had ‘bulked up’ he would be handy as a central midfielder, but it is in defence that John has been most used – covering admirably for Rio Ferdinand when Rio was banned for 8 months for a missed drugs test.

Because he was capable of playing in all positions (he played in nets when Edwin van der Sar was injured after United has used all three substitutes in February 2007, with his experience of playing the Irish game of Hurling coming in useful when he saved Robbie Keane’s shot), he has failed to nail down a place in the first-team of his own. That doesn’t mean he is not important to the team of the fans though, because they recognise that having a reliable player such as O’Shea is necessary.

Three Premier League titles, and FA Cup and a Champions League title prove that O’Shea has been successful as a player. He became even more loved by the fans when he scored against Liverpool at Anfield in the very last minute of the game, securing a win for Manchester United and helping them on their way to the 06/07 league title.

International

John O’Shea made his international debut on 15th August 2001, aged just 20. Sadly, his debut wasn’t the greatest – he came on with 8 minutes to play and somehow managed to give away a penalty! He has since played over 50 games for the Republic of Ireland, and was at World Cup 2002 when Roy Keane stormed home from Saipan. He has had the honour of captaining his country, and remains a key player for the Irish – his experience, professionalism and winning attitude make him a great model to young up-and-coming footballers.