O’Shea at home on the senior stage

THE brave new era for the Republic of Ireland may not have been heralded with goals and glory. But what harm, there were some positive to be taken from last night’s affair in Athens which at least make the future a little brighter.

John O’Shea was one. The Waterford lad, beloved by Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, at last got his chance at senior international level. And he took it with gusto

“I can play better but it wasn’t my worst match and I felt comfortable,” he admitted in the immediate aftermath. “It was my first time starting a senior international match for my country and that made it a very important one for me.”