Dara O’Shea: Fulham incident was upsetting but Sam Allardyce responded well
Dara O’Shea feels he has learnt a lot at West Brom this season and talked about the response to his early substitution against Fulham in January.
The defender was substituted after just 24 minutes in the clash and he detailed the hurt he felt after the match.
However, he suggests Sam Allardyce handled the incident well and since then O’Shea has been able to play his way into the team.
Referring to the Fulham match, O’Shea told the Express & Star, “As a player you don’t want to be taken off at any time.
“When it’s at an early stage like that, it’s tough to take. At the time I was upset and annoyed at it.
“But speaking to the manager and the staff, it was purely a tactical change that they told me about and that put me at ease. You can’t really get too down with them moments, you have to keep it steady.”
Level-headed
It is good to see a young player like O’Shea display such a positive mindset.
He is keen to remain grounded despite his good form as he is well aware that getting too carried away can be as detrimental as getting down after matches.
He could have thrown a strop after his treatment in the Fulham game but he reacted well to Big Sam’s explanation.
The Albion boss has helped O’Shea improve his game and we are now beginning to see him flourish at centre-back.
Credit must go to the 22-year-old also, as he stepped in against Burnley in difficult circumstances but has not looked back.
And with O’Shea in the side we have only conceded two goals in the last four and a half matches.
Long may his strong performances continue as we should have three very strong centre-back options in the Championship next season.
In other West Brom news, Paul Robinson has given his verdict on Sam Johnstone’s England call-up.
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