From M.E.N.
Rioch runs the rule over...John O'Shea
DEFENSIVE DUTIES: John O'Shea
Name: John O'Shea aged 21
Position: Defender
Club: Manchester United.
Do I rate him?: Yes I do. He is a very promising talented young player. I spotted him playing for the reserves and noted down he was one for the future.
Talent level: Lots of it. This lad will be the backbone of the Republic of Ireland international team for a good number of years. He is also gaining invaluable experience from being alongside world class players at United. It was only a matter of time before he came through.
First Impression: I first watched him two years ago - he's tall, slim and has lots of composure. He is also very alert and I liked how he wanted to play his way out of trouble.
Speed: Still a young lad and I am sure he will get quicker when he fills out. He doesn't have devastating pace over ten yards but his speed his good when he builds momentum up. He will have the pace to put and drag strikers into positions they don't want to be in.
Build: An excellent frame and he will no doubt add body strength to his build. This will come - its something for him to work at because if you're playing at centre half you have to have a strong commanding physical presence. He is athletic, and he has good balance and there are no problems with his size.
Skill Level: This has to be very good for a centre half. He's definitely a footballing centre half and he keeps calm in tackles. He is not a rash defender who concedes free kicks and penalties. He is very composed for his age - a right sided player but he does have the confidence to use his left.
Defensive Ability: I've seen plenty good qualities in him as a defender. Team mates Rio Ferdinand, Laurent Blanc and Gary Neville have clearly been a massive influence. He never shirks any responsibility and will improve accordingly.
Passing: Short range passing is excellent - he intercepts and invariably gives the ball to the nearest Red shirt. He is better off his right foot but he will carry the ball and then make a good pass. His overall passing rate is high and he can set up an attack.
Support Play: When playing full back it was good enough but that is not his main game. As a centre back a different kind of support play is needed - he is learning well and coping. As a centre back you have to support various positions.
Temperament: Terrific - excellent in fact. You need a good temperament to play in the Premiership but it needs to be excellent at United due to the immense pressure and expectation of the club. He shows composure in abundance. You never see him losing his rag or being erratic to any extreme.
Weakness: At 6ft 2ins tall, I feel he should be attacking the ball in the air with more aggression. It's an aspect of his game he can work on but I must stress his positives far out-weigh the negatives.
Aerial Power: He is competent but its an aspect of the game he can work on.
Trademark: Without doubt his composure and temperament in what is a very important position.
Goal Ratio: Goals are not his forte defending is. He can certainly an attack from the back and is always on his toes and alert.
Best Position: It has to be centre back but I must point out his spell at right back has been an excellent learning curve in such a high quality team.
Would I buy him: Yes, but I doubt you could prise him away from United. He is a long term asset and he will carry a very good value.
Who can he be compared to: I see touches of Gary Pallister but there is also some Blanc, Breen and Bould in his make up as a play making centre half.
Is he an individual or a team player: Without doubt a team player due to a great attitude and work-rate. He's always bouncing around ready to either act or react. He also gets tight to attackers.
Summary: A future regular Republic of Ireland centre half. Excellent temperament and composure - good attitude very versatile. An excellent passer and quality defender who never panics. Good touch, and he will improve with experience and matches.
Rioch runs the rule over...John O'Shea
DEFENSIVE DUTIES: John O'Shea
Name: John O'Shea aged 21
Position: Defender
Club: Manchester United.
Do I rate him?: Yes I do. He is a very promising talented young player. I spotted him playing for the reserves and noted down he was one for the future.
Talent level: Lots of it. This lad will be the backbone of the Republic of Ireland international team for a good number of years. He is also gaining invaluable experience from being alongside world class players at United. It was only a matter of time before he came through.
First Impression: I first watched him two years ago - he's tall, slim and has lots of composure. He is also very alert and I liked how he wanted to play his way out of trouble.
Speed: Still a young lad and I am sure he will get quicker when he fills out. He doesn't have devastating pace over ten yards but his speed his good when he builds momentum up. He will have the pace to put and drag strikers into positions they don't want to be in.
Build: An excellent frame and he will no doubt add body strength to his build. This will come - its something for him to work at because if you're playing at centre half you have to have a strong commanding physical presence. He is athletic, and he has good balance and there are no problems with his size.
Skill Level: This has to be very good for a centre half. He's definitely a footballing centre half and he keeps calm in tackles. He is not a rash defender who concedes free kicks and penalties. He is very composed for his age - a right sided player but he does have the confidence to use his left.
Defensive Ability: I've seen plenty good qualities in him as a defender. Team mates Rio Ferdinand, Laurent Blanc and Gary Neville have clearly been a massive influence. He never shirks any responsibility and will improve accordingly.
Passing: Short range passing is excellent - he intercepts and invariably gives the ball to the nearest Red shirt. He is better off his right foot but he will carry the ball and then make a good pass. His overall passing rate is high and he can set up an attack.
Support Play: When playing full back it was good enough but that is not his main game. As a centre back a different kind of support play is needed - he is learning well and coping. As a centre back you have to support various positions.
Temperament: Terrific - excellent in fact. You need a good temperament to play in the Premiership but it needs to be excellent at United due to the immense pressure and expectation of the club. He shows composure in abundance. You never see him losing his rag or being erratic to any extreme.
Weakness: At 6ft 2ins tall, I feel he should be attacking the ball in the air with more aggression. It's an aspect of his game he can work on but I must stress his positives far out-weigh the negatives.
Aerial Power: He is competent but its an aspect of the game he can work on.
Trademark: Without doubt his composure and temperament in what is a very important position.
Goal Ratio: Goals are not his forte defending is. He can certainly an attack from the back and is always on his toes and alert.
Best Position: It has to be centre back but I must point out his spell at right back has been an excellent learning curve in such a high quality team.
Would I buy him: Yes, but I doubt you could prise him away from United. He is a long term asset and he will carry a very good value.
Who can he be compared to: I see touches of Gary Pallister but there is also some Blanc, Breen and Bould in his make up as a play making centre half.
Is he an individual or a team player: Without doubt a team player due to a great attitude and work-rate. He's always bouncing around ready to either act or react. He also gets tight to attackers.
Summary: A future regular Republic of Ireland centre half. Excellent temperament and composure - good attitude very versatile. An excellent passer and quality defender who never panics. Good touch, and he will improve with experience and matches.