‘Realist’ John O’Shea takes the international step-up in his stride

From bottom of the Premier League table to top of a World Cup qualifying group — it might sound like quite the giant leap but for John O’Shea it’s something closer to business as usual.

“Obviously I’ve had it the last few seasons, so it’s not as if it’s new,” says the Sunderland man with a rueful laugh.

“It’s something you just adapt to, no problem.”