Ipswich Town: Dara O’Shea on McKenna, Burgess and festive fixtures.
Dara O’Shea, an Ipswich Town defender, believes Blues manager Kieran McKenna is helping him become a better player and wants to return him for his faith.
Centre-back O’Shea joined in the summer from Burnley for £12 million, which may increase to £15 million with add-ons.
The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international has started 15 games in all, 14 of which have been in the Premier League, and has mainly impressed.
As with every player that comes to Town, O’Shea credits McKenna for helping him progress.
“If you have that good relationship between the manager and the players it’s always positive,” he told me.
“Everyone has that here at the club, which is a testament to what the manager has done with the culture and such.
“Tough times with our league place, but we don’t feel like we’re where we should be, which is fantastic for us, and we’re loving the challenge of the games.
“He was a huge part of why I came here. Before coming here, I had heard a lot about him from both former and current players.
“To come and play for a manager like himself, who is so passionate about how he wants to play football, passionate about the club, and truly wants the players here to succeed, it’s a no-brainer to come to a place like this where you’ll learn a lot.
“I’ve learnt so much; if I sat here and listed everything, I suppose we’d be here a long time! It’s the little things with him that make a huge impact.
“On the outside, you probably can’t see them, but inside, in the classroom, and learning from him, it changes your perspective on the game significantly.
“I’ve played for some great managers, and he’s undoubtedly among the greatest. The minor nuances are the most important; they make you a better player.
O’Shea has started 14 Premier League games for Town thus far (Image: PA).O’Shea has now started every game since his debut in a fighting 0-0 draw against Brighton on September 14.
He’s kept local talent Luke Woolfenden out of the starting lineup, and he says he respects McKenna’s trust in him.
“Massive trust,” he said. “All a gamer wants to do is play games. When it is handed to you, all you have to do is reciprocate the favor by putting in the effort to keep that position.
“It’s obviously amazing to play every game; I’m being pushed hard by the other guys, which is great.
“When you go to a club, you hope to play games because they won’t come for you otherwise. So it was always my goal; everywhere I went, I was unhappy to sit on the bench.
“I want to play, enjoy the games, and compete with the top players in the world.
“As a player anyone would say the exact same thing, you want to be playing games and playing consistently.”
Town’s defense is now led by Australian Cameron Burgess, but O’Shea acknowledges that competition for starting positions is always present.
Dara O’Shea enjoys playing with Cameron Burgess. (Image: Ross Halls.)”It’s been really good,” he remarked of Burgess.”I’ve liked playing with him, as well as with Jacob Greavesy and Luke Woolfy. As a group of four, we complement each other well and push each other throughout training, which helps.
“That keeps us on track every day, but since I’ve started playing with Burge, I’ve developed a fantastic rapport with him. He’s a very seasoned defender who plays the game well and is extremely comfortable to play with.”
Burgess stated, “I’ve been really impressed, Cameron is easy to play with and a top lad too – we both get along, which is always a good thing.”
“Our skills compliment each other nicely, and he understands the game very well. As a defensive partner, it’s important to have someone who is simple to play with.
“From the outset, I regarded him as a player with tremendous talent, and he’s shown it on the largest stage for himself.
“That’s the same with a lot of the boys; many of them have come from the lower divisions and have always had that talent.
“It’s only now that they can exhibit it. Playing with stronger players than they’ve previously played with may often bring out the best in people.”
O’Shea feels he is one of Town’s quickest players. (Image: PA).So, after praising Burgess, what do O’Shea believe are his own finest qualities?
“There’s some quick boys here but I’d definitely put myself up there,” replied the man.
“People don’t assume I’m speedy just by looking at me, which is good when you surprise them. It’s a fast group, and I’m not sure where I fit in, but I’d want to participate.
“It’s a given that as a defender, you’re there to support the team and put your body on the line. That is expected of you, and I don’t mind doing it; it’s just part of my work.”
O’Shea is going to need all of his speed and enthusiasm to get dug in during Town’s upcoming holiday fixtures, which look difficult.
They head to Arsenal on Friday night (8.15pm), coming off a 5-1 away win over Crystal Palace, before facing title challengers Chelsea next Monday (7.45pm).
But O’Shea feels the Blues will rise to the challenges given by the Christmas season.
O’Shea and Town will entertain Chelsea and sensation Cole Palmer during the holiday season.”It’s amazing,” he said. “As players, you want to play against these teams and guys.
“It’s a challenge that we should embrace and eagerly anticipate.
“Recovery will be enormous, and the rapid turnaround between games will be taxing for the bodies. It is also colder and the circumstances are harsher at this time of year.
“We all need to take for ourselves, and we have the finest of the best here to help us develop and heal.
“We’ve got to utilise all those things that are at our feet and get ourselves ready for the games.”
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