O´Shea misses Old Trafford return

Sunderland defender John O’Shea has been ruled out of a return to Old Trafford on Saturday.

And his hopes of playing a part in the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualification play-off against Estonia later this month are hanging in the balance.

The 30-year-old pulled up after just half-an-hour’s football against Aston Villa at the weekend with a recurrence of the hamstring that has twice sidelined him since joining Sunderland from Manchester United.

And scans have now shown that while the injury is not serious, it could keep him out for up to three weeks, putting his hopes of playing for the Republic in serious jeopardy.

“The good news is it’s a minor one but he has no chance of playing against Manchester United and he’s going to struggle for the Republic games,” Bruce said.

“Normally, you would say he has no real chance of being involved in them but I know how much he’l want to play, so it’s a question of wait and see.”

“It’s a shame for him that he’s picked up the injury because he was just starting to find his form and beginning to look like John O’Shea, the ex-Manchester United player.”

“He missed most of pre-season after getting injured in our first game in Germany. It was just one of those freak injuries.”

Phil Bardsley will slot into O’Shea’s right-back position.

Meanwhile, Bruce has praised former forward Danny Welbeck ahead of the United clash.

The 20-year-old striker, who has scored five goals for United this season, was a key player last season on loan for the Black Cats and has picked up where he left off for his parent club this term.

Bruce believes the arrangement was mutually beneficially to both clubs.

“We enjoyed having Danny,” Bruce told the club’s official website.

“He was as good as any young striker and a real privilege to work with, especially at such a young age.”

“He came on well after a slow start and enjoyed having the perfect platform to play regular football.”

“Danny was absolutely terrific and we thank him for that. He did great for us and Sunderland was fantastic for him.”