John O’Shea was part of one of the most successful eras in Manchester United’s history, but missing out on the opportunity to play at a World Cup will forever hurt the former Republic of Ireland international.
John O’Shea joined Manchester United’s academy in 1998 from Ferrybank AFC and Waterford Bohemians, before making his professional debut on 13 October 1999 against Aston Villa in a 3-0 League Cup defeat.
The 44-year-old, who was recently spotted at Old Trafford attending a match, won everything at United. That includes five Premier League titles, a Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.
O’Shea is currently a central figure in the Republic of Ireland’s coaching set-up, after serving as an interim manager before becoming Heimir Hallgrimsson’s assistant manager.
Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea celebrate Champions League triumph in 2008
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
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John O’Shea reflects on his one career regret
The Republic of Ireland face the Czech Republic in a play-off semi-final in the hope of qualifying for this summer’s World Cup.
Whoever wins the Thursday night tie will face either a Rasmus Hojlund-inspired Denmark or North Macedonia.
After his heroics earlier in the qualifying campaign, the hopes of the Irish nation hang on the shoulders of Troy Parrott, but O’Shea was hit where it hurts with a question during his press conference on Monday.
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O’Shea appeared at two European Championships with Ireland, but there is one thing missing from his CV, despite earning 118 caps.
The former ‘utility man’, who featured predominantly in defence for Ireland, never got to play in a World Cup after not being considered by Mick McCarthy for the 2002 finals a year on from his senior international debut.
“Lovely, hit me where it hurts,” O’Shea said when asked if the lack of a World Cup appearance was the biggest regret of his playing career, as quoted by the Irish Mirror.
At least O’Shea now has a chance to represent Ireland at a World Cup as a coach.
He added: “I’ve been very fortunate in my career but to have represented Ireland in a World Cup would have been a dream scenario.
“Touch wood, we’re not far away from, in a sense, a next-best-case (as coach).”
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Kobbie Mainoo during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
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John O’Shea names Roy Keane as the Republic of Ireland’s best-ever player
Sitting in the Premier Sports Ireland studio, O’Shea was asked to blind rank Irish national team legends of the past, present and possibly future.
Two of O’Shea’s top picks played for United, but Roy Keane is the one who came out on top.
Keane infamously missed out on the 2002 World Cup following a feud with McCarthy.
Number two in O’Shea’s list was the legendary Paul McGrath.
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