O'Shea predicts bright future

O'Shea: Happy camper

John O'Shea feels Manchester United are on the cusp of 'something special' at Old Trafford.

The versatile Irishman committed his future to the club until 2012 on Friday, when he put pen-to-paper on a new long-term deal.

While there are those that argue O'Shea would be better moving away from United to secure more regular playing time, the Irishman insists 250-plus appearances points to the fact he spends plenty of time on the pitch.

Of the belief that he retains the full faith of his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, O'Shea is confident he will more than play his part in the future.

"I feel like I am going to be part of something special," he said.

"Signing the new contract was not a particularly hard decision but it was an important one.

"I know it is going to be difficult to get into the team and stay there but I also know I will get my chance.

"I feel that if you look at the club, the team, my age and the age of the squad, there are good times ahead. And I want to be part of it."

O'Shea has already been informed he will start in the club's UEFA Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, a game he feels it is imperative United win.

"It would be nice to finish top," he added. "The majority of the time when you finish top you avoid the other main dangers.

"Sometimes it doesn't always work out like that but if you finish top of your group you have done everything you can.

"Then you just hope for that bit of luck that will see you into the latter stages."