Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland new boy John Shea to miss Liverpool clash
Sunderland expect new signing John O'Shea to miss this Saturday's Premier League opener against Liverpool with the defender nursing a troublesome hamstring problem.[LNB]The versatile Republic of Ireland defender was signed from Manchester United this summer but has made only one appearance in his new club's pre-season campaign, picking up the injury on his debut against German side Arminia Bielefeld.[LNB] Injury doubt: New Sunderland signing is set to miss the opening game of the season against Liverpool[LNB]'We don't think (he will feature) and it would be unwise of me to rush him back,' admitted boss Steve Bruce, speaking to the club's official website.[LNB]'He's close, but he's got a hamstring strain so we have to make sure he's right.[LNB] 'When he is right and plays we'll be all the better for it because John O'Shea is a big acquisition for this football club.'[LNB]And Bruce is not ruling out further additions despite wrapping up a deal to make Derry City winger James McClean his 10th signing of the summer.[LNB]O'Shea and United team-mate Wes Brown joined Birmingham midfielders Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson, creative wingers McClean and David Vaughan, young strikers Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won and Coventry keeper Kieren Westwood in arriving at the Stadium of Light, while a permanent deal was agreed for former loanee Ahmed Elmohamady.[LNB]Bruce said: 'The squad size is good at the moment - I'm very pleased with what we've done.[LNB]'But as James McClean has shown, a manager's work is never done. If there's someone out there who we feel would be a good addition to the squad then we are in a position to act.'[LNB] Looking forward: James McClean is excited about joining Sunderland[LNB]McClean is relishing his opportunity in the Premier League, and the 22-year-old said: 'It feels great to be a player at a massive club.[LNB]'I grew up dreaming of playing in the Premier League and now I have that chance. It's a challenge I'm really looking forward to.[LNB]'Having players like John O'Shea here - he is a massive name - will help me to settle in. He came over (from Ireland) and did well so hopefully I can too.[LNB]'I know it's a big step for me but I'm looking forward to the challenge. I like to get the ball down and run with it - getting at defenders is my game and hopefully I can carry on doing that for Sunderland.'[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEMy Club blog: Here's YOUR chance to write about YOUR football team for SportsmailBlack Cats complete 10th deal of the summer by landing Irish midfielder McClean The Boot Room: Sportsmail's guide to what the stars will wear this seasonAll the latest Sunderland news, features and opinion [LNB]
