West Brom mainstay admits he expected loan exit before playing big role in promotion
West Brom defender Dara O’Shea has admitted that he expected to leave the Hawthorns on loan this season before playing a key role in promotion to the Premier League.
The Irishman didn’t make his senior debut for the club until the 1-1 draw against Brentford back in December but hasn’t looked back since.
The Baggies sealed promotion on Wednesday evening, despite not winning any of their remaining four Championship fixtures.
O’Shea gave his thanks to Slaven Bilic for the opportunity at the Hawthorns and will look to capitalise on the opportunity next season.
“At the start of the season, I was kind of expecting to go back out on loan and get more experience. But the gaffer (Slaven Bilic) integrated me into the team straight away and I felt part of it,” he told RTE Ireland.
“I was on the bench up until I made my debut in December against Brentford and then I kicked on a bit. He gave me a chance at right-back in the FA Cup. I did well and he kept me in the side.
O’Shea had the tough task of replacing Nathan Ferguson, who has since left to join Crystal Palace, and he did it perfectly.
The 21-year-old has scored three impressive goals in his 17 appearances after Christmas, including important ones against the likes of Millwall and Derby.
The Irish youngster has completed 1.8 tackles per game according to WhoScored, but more impressively has averaged almost five aerial battles won in every outing.
O’Shea isn’t guaranteed a spot in the Premier League next season, but it is definitely more than he expected at the beginning of this campaign.
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