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, injuring a hamstring on his debut against German side Arminia Bielefeld. Manager Steve Bruce told the Black Cats' official website: "We don't think (he will feature) and it would be unwise of me to rush him back. "He's close, but he's got a hamstring strain so we have to make sure he's right. "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." And Bruce is not ruling out further additions despite yesterday wrapping up a deal to make Derry City winger James McClean his 10th signing of a busy summer. 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. Bruce said: "The squad size is good at the moment - I'm very pleased with what we've done. "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." McClean is relishing his opportunity in the Premier League, and the 22-year-old told SAFC TV: "It feels great to be a player at a massive club. "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. "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. "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."
