John O'Shea thankful Gareth Bale tackle didn't leave him with horror injury like teammate Seamus Coleman

Seconds before Coleman was left with a double leg fracture during Friday night's 0-0 World Cup qualifier draw with Wales, the Sunderland defender was caught high and late by Bale

Sunday 26 March 2017 04:20 EDT
Comments
John O'Shea believes Gareth Bale's lunge could've left him badly injured
John O'Shea believes Gareth Bale's lunge could've left him badly injured (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

John O'Shea believes he was fortunate not to suffer the same fate as Seamus Coleman after finding himself on the wrong end of a Gareth Bale challenge.

Seconds before Republic of Ireland skipper Coleman was left with a double leg fracture during Friday night's 0-0 World Cup qualifier draw with Wales, the Sunderland defender was caught high and late by Real Madrid star Bale.

Bale was booked and O'Shea was able to play on, but later had several stitches put into a wound on his shin and left the Aviva Stadium counting himself lucky.

Gareth Bale and John O'Shea clashed during the game
Gareth Bale and John O'Shea clashed during the game (Getty)

Asked if the former Tottenham man's challenge had been late, the 35-year-old, who will now miss Tuesday night's friendly against Iceland, said: "Maybe, but thankfully I'm walking away from it, which is no problem.

"I've had plenty of stitches put in there. I was lucky considering what has happened to Seamus. On another night there could have been two red cards.

"I can't remember how many stitches it was. The doctor had to stick some in deep and a few dissolvable ones on top. Hopefully it will heal quickly."

Wales boss Chris Coleman later launched a passionate defence of both Bale and Neil Taylor, who was sent off for his foul on Seamus Coleman, and O'Shea had few complaints.

He said: "You expect it, obviously within reason. When you're playing England, Scotland or Wales, the games are going to be like that. They are the games you want to be involved in.

"As the opposition manager, you're going to protect your own players. In a derby game, you're going to expect some tasty tackles - but, as I said, within reason.

"There's no problem getting a hard tackle - but if it's late, it's a different story."

Coleman has undergone an operation on his broken right leg
Coleman has undergone an operation on his broken right leg (Getty)

O'Shea was significantly more fortunate than Coleman, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on Saturday.

He said: "Hopefully everything goes to plan and he comes back as strong as ever. With the type of player he is, he'll recover quickly and be back on that pitch as soon as possible."

Ireland were disappointed not to have made their numerical advantage count during the final 20 minutes or so of the game as Serbia replaced them at the top of Group D on goal difference, but, given that they had gone into it without Robbie Brady, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark, James McCarthy, Harry Arter, Wes Hoolahan and Daryl Murphy, there was no sense of despondency.

O'Shea, who won his 117th senior cap against Wales, said: "If you gave us this position at the start of the group, we'd have taken it. You want to win your home games and that's what we'll have to do to make sure we qualify for Russia."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in