John O’Shea tells moaners to shut their Trap over McClean snub

Sunderland defender and Irish international John O'Shea has jumped to the defence of Giovanni Trapattoni over his recent James McClean snub, insisting that the Italian knows what's he's doing.

While many Irish fans were no doubt miffed by Giovanni Trapattoni's decision to snub his Sunderland compatriot James McClean for this February 29 Czech Republic friendly - particularly since the Northern Ireland-born winger had got FIFA clearance to play for the Republic that week - O'Shea accepts Trap's explanation decision to stay loyal to the current squad.

"The manager has been one of the most successful in the game so we have to trust his judgement," the 30-year-old told The Irish Sun in this morning's edition.

"I think the manager has spoken to him and said his time will come. James probably had so many people telling him he was going to be in the squad it will be a little bit disappointing for him.

"As the manager has said though, he is the future for Ireland and will have plenty of time to get his caps."

O'Shea also gave effusive praise to McClean for his well-taken goal in the Black Cats' 2-1 defeat against Arsenal last weekend, telling the tabloid: "James has been amazing for us, he really has. It was a bit fortuitous how he got the chance for his goal on Saturday but it was such a clinical finish.

"He keeps showing the fearlessness he has and it was an expert strike into the bottom corner. It just shows the confidence he is playing with."