Versatile John O'Shea 'happy to fill in' for Sunderland

Experienced Republic of Ireland international John O'Shea has told new Sunderland boss David Moyes that he is happy to "fill in if needed" in a number of positions this season.

O'Shea has primarily played central defence during his time with Sunderland, but started their opening Premier League match of the 2016-17 season against Manchester City last weekend in central midfield.

The 35-year-old has insisted that he is prepared to help out the team when needed, although the 114-time international still believes that his best position is centre-back.

"At different stages at Man United, there were spells when I played in the holding role in the Champions League – I've played maybe 20-25 games there," O'Shea told reporters. "I am used to it, but I haven't played there for a few years – I have more been in central defence.

"But it needed to be done and it's always been the case that I know the manager trusts me to fill in if needed. I can't see it being a permanent fixture, though."

O'Shea won five Premier League titles with Man United before joining Sunderland in 2011, where he has made 187 appearances in all competitions.