O'Shea: Attacking play the key to success v Italy

Waterford's Republic Of Ireland international star John O'Shea has been spending some time at his Ferrybank home with family and friends ahead of a fixture that will have a major bearing on our bid to qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

The Manchester United defender flew back into Ireland after another close call against Sunderland in the Premier League.

A late deflection by Anton Ferdinand into his own net meant the Red Devils go into the international break trailing Chelsea by two points.

However, Premier League issues are being set aside this week as preparations get underway for Saturday's crucial Group 8 World Cup qualifier against Italy at Croke Park.

A nostalgic John O’Shea said he was 13 when USA 94 was being staged and it's still vivid in his mind.

“My most emotional moment growing up as an Ireland fan would have to be Ray Houghton’s winning goal against Italy at USA ’94,” O’Shea said.

“Italy were one of the favourites going into the competition and after being knocked out by them at Italia ’90 by that famous Schillaci goal, I think meeting them in our first game of the following World Cup and beating them was really special.

"I watched it at home with my family in Waterford and will never forget it. I remember the disappointment (of losing) to Italy in 1990 and then the excitement of beating them four years later and it just shows how football is such an emotional game with so many highs and lows.”

O'Shea said he hopes other special moment lie ahead as Ireland faces into this weekend's match.

He said strong attacking play would be the key to success against Italy.