Martin O'Neill optimistic over John O'Shea return

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has declared that he expects John O'Shea to return quicker than expected from a calf injury.

O'Shea has missed the last two matches with the problem but O'Neill thinks that the defender will return sooner rather than later.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "He's responding well at this minute, quite well.

"We were worried about it, but he is getting better by the day."

The Republic of Ireland international will not be fit for selection this weekend as the Mackems host Chelsea.