Dara O'Shea could be full back answer for West Brom
Albion’s search for a new full-back could be on hold after young defender Dara O’Shea emerged as a potential back-up for their first-team regulars.
With Kieran Gibbs back on the treatment table and the future of Nathan Ferguson uncertain, the Baggies had been keeping an eye on the market for cover at full-back in January.
But after 20-year-old O’Shea impressed at right-back in the FA Cup against Charlton on Sunday, manager Slaven Bilic has hinted O’Shea could be an option in that position.
“We’ll see, but Nath is out, Gibbs is out, and that’s football you can never be covered from these situations,” he said.
“We thought we were OK there, in those positions, covered, and then suddenly you have two full-backs.
“That’s why we put Dara there, and he was magnificent.
“He can play that easy, he can be a really good option at full-back.
“I had that feeling, but I wanted to try him there first in a game like this, in a competitive game.
“He proved me right, and again I’m much calmer now for these positions.
“They became kind of a worry, but I’m calmer now.”
After spending last season on-loan at Exeter City, O’Shea has been working to earn a place in the Baggies’ first team.
And although Bilic admitted it was a big step for the youngster, he believes the defender has what it takes to be a success.
“It is a big step,” he added.
“Some players are capable of making that step, some need more time, and some never do it and go backward.
“But as a young player, I was making those steps quite quickly: the equivalent of League One, Championship and Premier League, then playing for one of the best clubs in Yugoslavia. I made all of those steps in one year.
“I’m not comparing myself to Dara but that’s why I’m not afraid to try players and I don’t like to label players. ‘A Championship player’ — what is that?
“I know there are different levels, but a player is a player and, at many aspects, it can be easier at a higher level.
“I love Dara O’Shea, we all love him.
“But forget about how nice he is as a kid, I love Dara as a football player.
“In the summer, we lost three players in that position — (Craig) Dawson, (Mason) Holgate and (Tosin) Adarabioyo, plus Hegazi had surgery — and we only brought in one.
“The club wanted to bring in more, and the only reason we didn’t was Dara.
“From day one, he showed dedication, motivation, readiness to learn and, more than anything, potential and quality.”
