Roy Keane believes John O’Shea is capable of filling his boots in the Manchester United Football Club midfield. O’Shea had an impressive game in the heart of the Reds midfield against Newcastle United on Sunday, and Keane believes a little more strength could see the 24-year-old make the position his own.
Keano said to The Daily Mail:
“I just think he needs to be tougher for the big, crunch games. I saw the highlights of the United and Newcastle game, and I thought he played quite well. If he gets tougher, he can do more than a job there. But you have to bear in mind, he’s still young and he’s still improving. He just needs to get tougher, both physically and mentally.”
If O’Shea does progress into the holding position so wonderfully mastered by Keane, it would certainly save United some serious cash in the transfer market. With Michael Ballack almost certain to go to Chelsea, there are not many quality midfielders available in the transfer market. Two names that crop up from recent rumours include Tomas Gravesen and Gattuso. With Scholes back from injury and Ji-Sung Park and Ronaldo on top form, United’s midfield is looking a bit stronger again.
It is hoped that next season Smith and Fortune will also be back to full fitness, further bolstering the defensive part of the midfield, although both Park and Fletcher can play in these positions as well.