John O’Shea is relishing the challenge ahead after penning a new one-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
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The skipper has extended his stay on Wearside for a sixth season and will return to training next week after featuring for Republic of Ireland in their recent World Cup qualifiers.
Since joining from Manchester United in 2011, O’Shea has been a consistent performer for the Black Cats and rarely been out of the starting XI.
And speaking to safc.com, the defender revealed he can’t wait to get started.
“I was delighted when I got it all sorted and I’m now looking forward to the season ahead.
“We know we have a big job on our hands but now the new manager is in we can be fully focussed on making sure the squad is together and ready to challenge.”
He continued: “I saw some of the quotes from the manager about the players he wants to bring to the club and that they have to have the right attitude and determination – and that will be essential.
“Playing in the Championship will be a new experience for me but I’ve spoken to the lads in the Irish team and friends from other clubs about the league, so I hope it can be a positive experience for me.
“I played into the middle of June so I have an extra week before I’m back in training, but I can’t wait to meet up with the boys when they get back from Austria.”
