IRELAND INTERNATIONAL JOHN O’Shea has been confirmed as one of 11 players to have been released by Sunderland.

The 36-year-old Waterford native, who is currently on international duty ahead of the Boys in Green’s game with Austria, struggled this season as part of a Black Cats side that were relegated from the Premier League.

Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed that Shay Given is also now available on a free transfer after leaving Stoke, as is Ireland U19 international Zachary Elbouzedi, who has parted ways with West Brom.

A report in The Times last week suggested O’Shea was hoping to stay at Sunderland, but had offers from four other clubs, including Wolves, as he bids to continue on playing for one more year in the hopes of bowing out from the game after representing Ireland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Similarly, Given is hoping to continue playing for at least another season, recently telling Newstalk that he would consider offers from Championship clubs.

View the full list of players released here.

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