John O'Shea released by Sunderland

Republic of Ireland centurion John O'Shea is on the lookout for new clubs after he was released following the conclusion of his Sunderland contract.

 

Defender O'Shea departs Sunderland after six seasons, four of which he spent as captain, following their relegation from the Premier League as they finished bottom of the table.

 

O'Shea made 182 appearances, scoring three goals, during his time at the Stadium of Light as the perennial relegation-battlers doggedly hung onto their status.

 

The 36-year-old remains part of the Ireland international set-up and looks set to continue playing after earlier expressing his desire to stay at Sunderland in the second tier.

 

Waterford native O'Shea played his schoolboy football with Waterford Bohemians before signing for Manchester United following the completion of his Leaving Cert in 1999.

 



He made 256 appearances in 12 seasons with the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League as he became the most-decorated Irish player of all time.