O’Shea backs McClean for Euro 2012

Waterford native O’Shea is eager to prove his fitness for club and country as Euro2012 looms in 50 days when he makes his return from injury this weekend.

And the Ferrybank star also believes his Sunderland team mate James McClean should have a seat on the plane to Poland in June.

O’Shea has come up against McClean at club training and says he’s well aware of how good the midfielder was, before becoming a regular fixture in the Sunderland first team.

The Ireland international says it’s a fantastic achievement to qualify for a major football tournament such as Euro 2012 with a manager who has instilled a strong sense of belief in his squad.

The Sunderland player – says under manager Giovanni Trapattoni Ireland are a stronger team in defense but are aiming to score more goals while keeping clean sheets.

John O’Shea was unveiled as the New Ford Ambassador for the Ford Republic of Football campaign.

The Ireland defender is calling on all fans to become a citizen of the Republic on the Ford Ireland Facebook page to get exclusive updates from the Republic of Ireland defender from inside the Irish camp.