John O’Shea had to settle for a Champions League runner’s up medal as Manchester United fell at the last hurdle in their bid to retain the UEFA Champions League. United lost 2-0 to Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium in Rome last night.

However, O’Shea can take some solace from the fact that he cemented himself as a first choice defender for United this season having had to be content with a supporting role in previous years.

It’s unclear yet when O’Shea will join up with the Irish camp but most likely after Friday’s almost pointless friendly with Nigeria as preparations begin for the World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia.