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Soccer

Who do you think is Ireland's second-best central defender?

A somewhat peripheral figure at Reading in what has been his final season as a professional footb...



Soccer

Who do you think is Ireland's second-best central defender?

A somewhat peripheral figure at Reading in what has been his final season as a professional footballer, Ireland's John O'Shea has decided to call a halt to his career.

With Kenny Cunningham lauding the former Manchester United man's technical ability on Wednesday's OTB AM, a segment on this morning's Shot Clock with Kieran Donaghy threw up the inevitable question: where does O'Shea rank in terms of Irish centre-halves?

Coming to a general agreement that Paul McGrath had to feature as one of two-man centre-back team in any 'Ireland's greatest XI' scenario, the gauntlet was thrown down as to who would accompany him.

Limiting potential selections to those who had played for Ireland under Jack Charlton or afterward, the consensus appeared to fall in John O'Shea's favour.

"He's obviously up there with all-time Irish centre-halves," asserted Donaghy on this morning's show.

"Paul McGrath's top, 100%," Ger retorted.

"John O'Shea's got a shout to be in there as his partner."

Putting Richard Dunne in immediate competition with O'Shea for the role, Donaghy believes O'Shea's superior club career and versatility just gives the Waterford native the edge.

Exploring the list of possible players one could have alongside McGrath, who do you think is deserving of that second central-defensive role?

Potential centre-halves for Ireland's greatest XI:

Steve Staunton - 102 caps

Steve Staunton

Kenny Cunningham - 72 caps

John O'Shea

Gary Breen - 63 caps

John O'Shea

Richard Dunne - 80 caps

John O'Shea

John O'Shea - 118 caps

John O'Shea

Anyone else? 

John O'Shea


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John O'Shea Kenny Cunningham Paul McGrath Republic Of Ireland Richard Dunne Steve Staunton