Just when you thought things look to be clearing up on the defensive injury crisis, we hear of news that it could be two months before O'shea returns. John O'shea has been out of action since November when he featured for ROI against France.

There is no sign at all of recovery for John. We just want to get him back but it could be a couple of months yet. He is a big loss because he is such a versatile player.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Initially, his injury was said to nothing more than a dead leg. When he came back from international duty, blood had congealed in his muscle which is where the problems started.