Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has praised the influence of John O'Shea following the defender's first season on Wearside.

The Republic of Ireland international initially struggled with injuries after he moved to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United in July.

However, O'Neill insists that the 30-year-old is now an integral part of the squad.

"It's very hard for players who have been at one club for a long, long time to come and settle down immediately at another club, particularly when you have been used to winning a lot of games, particularly when every single Saturday, you are playing matches and you are expecting to win a lot of games," said O'Neill.

"It has taken him a bit of time. We have got some really fine players here, but Manchester United have been winning for years and years and years, so it's good to see.

"He is a great character around here and the players have got enormous respect for him."

The Black Cats host Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Saturday.