Waterford Schoolboys Football League

John 0'Shea

Name:	John O'Shea

Current Club:	Manchester United

Previous Clubs in Waterford:	Ferrybank AFC, Bohs

Waterford Factfile:	John is without doubt our most famous player. John played on our Kennedy Cup panel under the management of Anthony Browne. John’s class and ability was there for all to see at quite young age. When John comes home in the summer he does his very best to meet and sign autographs for all the budding young soccer star’s playing in our League. John has been a credit to our League and to his local club’s Ferrybank and Bohs who are extremely proud of him. We all wish John the best and hope he can have a long and successful career.

Manchester United Factfile:	John signed professional terms with Manchester United in August 1998 and made his first team debut just over a year later, away to Aston Villa in a Worthington Cup defeat. After making twenty appearances and scoring two goals for the reserves, John joined second division Bournemouth on loan in January making his league debut for the Cherries against Colchester United. He also enjoyed a loan spell to United’s feeder club Antwerp in Belgium. John really made his mark on the United first team in season 2002/2003 season proving his versatility by playing at left back, right back, and center half throughout the campaign. John ended up with 32 Premiership appearances in 2002/2003 at the end of which he picked up the first medal of his senior reds career the Premiership medal.

International Factfile:	John O'Shea looks set to be an Ireland regular for many years to come after his composed performances both for club and country. A regular in the Under 21 squad over the last few years, O'Shea made his senior bow against Croatia in 2001, but wasn't called into the squad again until September 2002 when he was in the squad for the Russia match. He started his first game at senior level against Greece in November and has been involved in every game he has been available for under Brian Kerr. The defender was a member of the Republic of Ireland Under 16 side that won the European Championships in 1998. John currently has 11 caps and 1 goal for the Irish senior side.