John O'Shea Bio Send To Friend  

After emerging into the first team as a player of immense promise, O'Shea is a fixture in the Manchester United squad without ever reaching the standards of his first season as a first-teamer.

Able to play anywhere in defence as well as in a midfield holding role, he's a versatile customer who even starred as sub goalie as United punished Spurs 4-0 in February 2007.

O'Shea's bow came in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in October 1999. The Irishman was then loaned out to Second Division side AFC Bournemouth in January 2000, making his debut in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Colchester United. His first ever goal came in a 3-1 defeat at Millwall.

After featuring in only the League Cup game in the 2000/01 season, O'Shea moved to Belgian club Royal Antwerp on loan - the latest in a long line of United players to do so. He made his full Republic of Ireland debut in August 2001 against Croatia but it wasn't to be a happy one as he put through his own net for the Croatians' equaliser in a two-goal comeback.

Back in December 2001, he grew in stature in the 2002-03 campaign, the best season of his career, as he was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award before losing out to Jermaine Jenas. Few could argue with the potential the young Irishman possessed as he helped United to regain the Premiership crown.

O'Shea's 2003/04 campaign was not as impressive, though he did pick up an FA Cup winners' medal. But he began to rediscover his form in 2004-05 from the bench as new signing Gabriel Heinze grabbed the left-back spot.

There was even speculation that O'Shea could leave Old Trafford but he insisted he was committed to the club. And in October 2005 he signed a new, improved contract with the Red Devils to run until the summer of 2009.

In 2005-06 O'Shea found himself in a midfield role at times due to the exit of Roy Keane and injury to Alan Smith. The arrival of Michael Carrick saw that role become less prominent but, with injuries hitting United's season, O'Shea was to play a vital role in their 2006-07 title win.

Winning back the reputation he won during his superb first season, O'Shea proved himself an important player in the Champions League double winning season of 2008, where he filled in the gaps across the side and he remains a vital squad player for Sir Alex Ferguson.