08.04.10 09:51
Mt Druitt Town Rangers defender Ryan O'Shea (left) shown during his NSW Premier League days with Penrith Nepean United
After a shaky start to the season, Mt. Druitt Rangers know that if they’re to have any success this year, they’ll certainly need the experience Ryan O’Shea brings to the table.
Having spent much of his career applying his services to the likes of Penrith Nepean United, PCYC Parramatta Eagles and Fairfield Bulls in the NSW Premier League since his teenage years, O’Shea knows the importance of having experienced players on board.
“As team captain, I know the club is looking for a leadership role from me,” said O’Shea.
“As a senior player and as a confident communicator, I believe I can perform this role for the club.
“I know I will have to perform well on the field week in and week out while trying to assist some younger players also,” he added.
The sweeper/stopper is confident the Rangers are able to dust themselves off from their poor start to the season and begin picking up points in the next few matches. According to O’Shea, the lack of early points is due to ill timed injuries and the fact that some players were a little “unaccustomed” to Super League football.
“Some players have never played at this level and so the start of the season was always going to be tough for them to adapt,” said O’Shea.
“Our group is very positive, our morale is still very high and once players get used to the pace, I am sure we will be more competitive,” he pointed out.
O’Shea, who won the Silver Medal Award in 2005 for Fairfield Bulls, made his NSW Premier League debut at just 18-years of age. Since then, the 27-year old has bobbed back and forth between the Super and Premier League to now find himself in a position where he can “enjoy his football”.
“I recognize that that the NSW Premier League has more quality players and is a superior league; however, I know I still have a bit of football in me and I am comfortable where I am at,” said O’Shea.
“What’s more, the coaching staff here [Mt. Druitt] are brilliant. They communicate well with the players and the group is a lot more positive this year,” he continued.
Known for his composure, accurate passing, formidable strength and superb ability to read the game, O’Shea believes the Rangers have what it takes to achieve their goals for the season.
“The club set the bar to finish at least mid table and I believe this task can definitely be achieved.”
Another person who agrees is Mt. Druitt Rangers head coach, Gilbert Yalda. The Ranger’s boss knows that in order for his team to do better than last year, experienced players like O’Shea are vital.
“To me, Ryan is a complete player. He always gives the team 100% and I can use him as a sweeper, stopper or midfield,” said Yalda.
“He is a natural leader and has been doing a fantastic job as captain, leading by example, handling the warm ups and helping the team believe in themselves.”
“He respects his team mates and his teammates respect him for the experience he has in the game as well as his ability on the field,” he added enthusiastically.
As O’Shea recovers from a medial ligament strain which will see him miss the next four matches, the Rangers know that their captain is never too far away to do battle alongside them - as he has done so consistently in the past.
