Stitches in leg rule out O’Shea

Sunderland skipper John O’Shea believes he was fortunate not to suffer the same fate as Seamus Coleman after finding himself on the wrong end of a Gareth Bale challenge.

Seconds before Republic of Ireland skipper Coleman was left with a double leg fracture during Friday night’s 0-0 World Cup qualifier draw with Wales, the veteran Black Cats defender was caught high and late by Real Madrid star Bale.

Bale was booked and O’Shea was able to play on, but later had several stitches put into a wound on his shin and left the Aviva Stadium counting himself lucky.

Asked if the former Tottenham man’s challenge had been late, the 35-year-old, who will now miss tomorrow night’s friendly against Iceland, said: “Maybe, but thankfully I’m walking away from it, which is no problem.

“I’ve had plenty of stitches put in there.

“I was lucky considering what has happened to Seamus.

“On another night, there could have been two red cards.

“I can’t remember how many stitches it was. The doctor had to stick some in deep and a few dissolvable ones on top. Hopefully it will heal quickly.”

O’Shea will hope to be fit for Sunderland’s return to Premier League action away to Watford on Saturday, with the Black Cats seven points adrift of safety at the foot of the table.