Experienced Republic of Ireland international John O'Shea has told new Sunderland boss David Moyes that he is happy to "fill in if needed" in a number of positions this season.

O'Shea has primarily played central defence during his time with Sunderland, but started their opening Premier League match of the 2016-17 season against Manchester City last weekend in central midfield.

The 35-year-old has insisted that he is prepared to help out the team when needed, although the 114-time international still believes that his best position is centre-back.

"At different stages at Man United, there were spells when I played in the holding role in the Champions League – I've played maybe 20-25 games there," O'Shea told reporters. "I am used to it, but I haven't played there for a few years – I have more been in central defence.

"But it needed to be done and it's always been the case that I know the manager trusts me to fill in if needed. I can't see it being a permanent fixture, though."

O'Shea won five Premier League titles with Man United before joining Sunderland in 2011, where he has made 187 appearances in all competitions.