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Robbie Brady training in Wales this week. INPHO/Donall Farmer

O'Shea: Versatile Brady an important member of the squad

Former Man United defender praises Brady’s exuberance.

IRELAND CAPTAIN John O’Shea says that Robbie Brady’s move to Hull City has brought the best out of the talented midfielder.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Ireland’s friendly clash with Wales tonight, the Sunderland defender said that Brady is now a more accomplished performer than before he made his permanent move to the KC Stadium.

When asked whether or not the move from Old Trafford, a move that O’Shea himself made in 2010, had improved Brady as a player, O’Shea was adamant that it has.

“Oh definitely he was always had the exuberance of a really confident player but his football is really showing that now, especially in training,” said the Waterford man.

“You can see the confidence he’s got and that comes with obviously being in a first team and starting in a first team. That was something he was only getting rare glimpses of at United, he was only getting small tastes so he’s got a full flavour for it now. I’m sure he will be an important member for us in the future but also for Hull City in the Premier League.”

Giovanni Trapattoni caused a mild surprise when he selected the former St Kevin’s Boys ace ahead of James McClean for the Cardiff  fixture but O’Shea’s ringing endorsement of the player backs up Trap’s decision.

Brady joined Hull initially from on loan for the 2011/12 season where he impressed but failed to make more than a solitary League Cup appearance for Manchester United during his time there, despite making his senior debut for Ireland in September 2012.

Along with fellow Irish international David Meyler, Brady made a permanent move to Steve Bruce’s side in January on a three-and-a-half-year contract and was integral to Hull’s successful promotion push at the end of last season.

Brady is tipped to start against Chelsea on Hull’s return to the Premier League this weekend, and his versatility and ability have shone through in Hull’s pre-season games. He has played left wing back, a withdrawn striker in a 4-4-2 and on the left of a front three as Steve Bruce fine-tunes his side for the big kick-off.

Last weekend his assist allowed Danny Graham to open the scoring against Real Betis in a comfortable 3-0 win for the Tigers.

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