O'SHEA ENJOYED AMERICA

Last updated : 05 August 2003 By Editor
O’Shea:

"It has given me an extra chance in getting a foothold back
into the centre of defence," said the Republic of Ireland
international, who played much of last term as an emergency
full back. This was a good opportunity. It was a chance for
myself and Rio to build up a partnership and I think we have
done OK.

"I think you can see there is a potential partnership. The
manager would like to get a settled partnership but it
hasn't happened because of one thing and another. The boss
will eventually have plenty of options at the back, but Rio
and I have had a good chance and getting four games together
is a good platform and good solid start.

"In the last two matches we have been playing against very
talented opposition in Juventus and Barcelona who cause you
problems. It was the first time I'd played against Patrick
Kluivert, for instance, and he was a handful. The more you
play against those kind of players the better you are going
to cope with it. To be honest I don't mind where I play this
season. I'll probably be looking at left back and the
centre. I am not too bothered as long as I am in the XI."