Sunderland defender John O'Shea is delighted that the fitness work he is doing off the pitch is paying dividends with regular first-team action.

The Republic of Ireland international has played in 33 of the Black Cats' 37 Premier League games during the season.

O'Shea told the Daily Mail: "Thankfully, the fitness has been very good this year, that's been the main thing.

"You are maintaining everything off the pitch in terms of the work you do in the gym and the core work - especially when you are getting into your 30s rather than your 20s, it's definitely needed more.

"But also you know you are preparing yourself right and you can cope with it. Thankfully, I have never had the major injuries that can hold you back towards the latter end of your career. I feel very fresh."

Sunderland finish their campaign against Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane tomorrow.

Written by
Simon Sinclair