John O’Shea thinks his key role shows how weak Sunderland were this season

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John O’Shea made 35 appearances for Sunderland in the Championship this season.

John O’Shea has told the Sunderland Echo that the fact he was so heavily relied upon this season shows how weak Sunderland were.

O’Shea is now 36, but Sunderland played him almost every week when he was available.

The Republic of Ireland international featured 35 times in the Championship this term.

And O’Shea admits that the fact Chris Coleman kept picking him shows how weak Sunderland’s options at the back were.

“I think it is a sign maybe of the club’s shortcomings [playing so many games as a veteran],” he said.

“What’s needed in the Championship, the power and durability that teams who are successful have.

“Ultimately, they have that core, whether it be eight or nine playing pretty much every week, mid to late 20s, banging out 7/8 out of 10 performances every week.

“You see that in every team that wins promotion, really.”

Sunderland were ultimately punished for their lack of squad depth, as they slipped to their second successive relegation.

The Black Cats’ relegation was confirmed last weekend, when they threw away a lead to lose to Burton Albion.

Sunderland are now going to be playing League One football next season, after what has been a frustrating time at the Stadium of Light.

Whether O’Shea will stick around at Sunderland remains to be seen, as a clear out is expected at the end of the season.