Man Utd midfielder O´Shea extends contract until 2012

LONDON (AFP) - Republic of Ireland international John O'Shea signed a three-year contract extension with Manchester United on Friday which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012.

O'Shea, 26, who has scored one goal in 43 international appearances, has been a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's rebuilt squad and is a valuable utility player who can play several positions in defence or midfield.

He even played in goal last season when United defeated Tottenham at White Hart Lane in their successfull drive to the Premiership title and scored a crucial last-minute winner at Anfield which many saw as a turning point in their bid to keep runners-up Chelsea at bay.

"John has developed in his years here and is now regarded as one of the more experienced players," explained Ferguson.

"He has proved through his personality and professionalism he is an outstanding credit to the club and I am delighted he has signed a new contract," continued the Scottish handler.

O'Shea began his career at United in 1998 and had loan spells at Bournemouth and Belgian side Royal Antwerp before nailing down a permanent position in the United squad.

http://www.soccerway.com/news/2007/N...act-until-2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed John O'Shea's development at Manchester United after handing the defender a new three-year contract extension.

The Republic of Ireland international recently confirmed he was in advanced talks over a new deal which would see him remain at his only professional club.

And Old Trafford officials have now confirmed the 26-year-old will remain at United until 2012.

"John has developed in his years here and is now regarded as one of the more experienced players," said Ferguson.

"He has proved through his personality and professionalism he is an outstanding credit to the club and I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

Although the Waterford-born player has rarely been a regular member of what would constitute Ferguson's first-choice side, he has nevertheless proved to be an integral part of the United squad.

At either centre-half, full-back or in central midfield, O'Shea has rarely let Ferguson down.

He has now played well over 250 games for United and his late goals against Liverpool and Everton on Merseyside last season were viewed as major factors in the club's Premier League title success.

With Nemanja Vidic also recently signing a new deal and contracts in the offing for Patrice Evra and Wes Brown, when Ferguson celebrates his 66th birthday on New Year's Eve it is clear that he is building for the future.

And O'Shea is delighted to be part of it.

"I am extending my contract with the champions," said O'Shea.

"I have been at the club since the age of 17 and it is a dream come true to play for such a great club.

"I hope to play my part in bringing more trophies to the club and to continuing the success with this young, exciting team.

"I would like to thank the boss, the staff and the fans for their continued support."

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...899858,00.html

In The Name Of God
..
he's a great player .. and we are happy to see him stay with us ..
manu need more of those type of players ..
..
peace