John O'Shea keen to see new faces at Sunderland in January
Tuesday 3 January 2017 14:52, UK
John O'Shea is keeping his fingers crossed that manager David Moyes will get "a bit of help" during the January transfer window as Sunderland battle relegation.
Chief executive Martin Bain painted a bleak picture last month when he revealed Moyes would have "very limited" funds with which to rebuild his squad, although the Scot has since been encouraged by conversations with owner Ellis Short.
The matter is complicated by the fact the club have debts of around £140m and are perilously close to the wage cap dictated by the Premier League's financial regulations.
But Sunderland have nine senior players injured - all of whom have been regular starters this season - and Lamine Kone, Didier Ndong and Wahbi Khazri set for Africa Cup of Nations duty.
O'Shea said: "Hopefully we can get a bit of help in. The injuries are tough but also in adversity players have to step up and take responsibility.
"Didier was fantastic [in Monday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool] - obviously we lose him, but it was good to see the application he showed for the whole game. Obviously we lose him for a few weeks, Lamine and Wahbi, too.
"But look, it's a chance for other lads, some younger boys maybe, to get a chance. And you never know, we might get that bit of help."
Jermain Defoe bagged a brace as Sunderland claimed a point from the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Monday, and O'Shea is taking heart from the result.
"It was a nice game to play against Liverpool to get something from and we did, and we look forward again now. Burnley in the FA Cup, that's the next one," he said.
