O'Shea raring to go

Manchester United defender John O'Shea is determined to enjoy an injury-free season after missing a large chunk of the last campaign.

The ever-reliable O'Shea was absent for five months last season after suffering from complications from a dead leg picked up in the Republic of Ireland's controversial play-off defeat by France.

His injury arrived at a time when United's defensive resources were already depleted and O'Shea was disappointed to sit out the club's challenge for trophies.

Now back to full fitness, the versatile 29-year-old is eager to play his part in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans during the coming campaign.

"It was a freakish injury and I was a little bit worried," said O'Shea of the injury which ruined his 2009/10 season.

"The medical staff were great. They just told me I needed a little bit of time.

"What happened was not natural, but because it was in the middle of the muscle we knew it would eventually dissolve away."

That is exactly how it worked out, although for a player who is not used to being on the sidelines through injury, it was a frustrating period of time.

"I expected to be back in a week or 10 days. It proved to be five months," he reflected.

"I have never been injured for longer than two weeks, so to be out for that long was very frustrating, especially when you consider all the big games you are missing out on.

"It was very disappointing, but it is part of life. Thankfully it is all cleared up and now I am raring to go."