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Simon Grayson admits John O’Shea would be too good for Sunderland, if he was younger

Sunderland manager Simon Grayson in action during the pre season friendly between Hibernian and Sunderland at Easter Road on July 9, 2017 in Edinbu...
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Sunderland defender John O’Shea has now reached 36 years of age.

Sunderland manager Simon Grayson looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Derby County at Stadium of Light on August 4, 2017 in Sunderland, England.

Simon Grayson has admitted to the Sunderland Echo that John O’Shea would be too good for Sunderland if he was younger.

O’Shea is now 36-years-old, but he is still playing an important role for Grayson’s men.

And the Black Cats boss admits that O’Shea is so talented that he would be well out of Sunderland’s price-range, if he was still in his prime.

“John has acquitted himself really well with his experience, his knowhow and his knowledge,” Grayson said.

John O'Shea of Sunderland looks on before the Carabao Cup First Round match between Bury and Sunderland at Gigg Lane on August 10, 2017 in Bury, England.

“He talks to the lads alongside him. We’d all love to have a 26-year-old John O’Shea, but there’s not too many of those around, and they certainly wouldn’t be at this club because they’d be too expensive to bring here.”

O’Shea’s presence at the back has still not been enough to snap Sunderland out of their slumber.

The Black Cats have struggled badly since being relegated to the Championship.

Sunderland manager Simon Grayson in action during the pre season friendly between Hibernian and Sunderland at Easter Road on July 9, 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sunderland are currently in 23rd position in the second tier table, and there are fears around the Stadium of Light that back-to-back relegations are a possibility.

Sunderland could only manage to draw 1-1 with Queens Park Rangers in their latest contest, to do little to alleviate concerns.

Sunderland are next in action against Brentford at Griffin Park at the weekend.