O'Shea in cup final contention

John O'Shea has put himself in contention for a place in the Carling Cup final side.

John O'Shea has put himself in contention for a place in Manchester United's Carling Cup final side on Sunday.

The Republic of Ireland international has been sidelined with a rib injury but returned for the reserves in their convincing win at Everton.

With Alan Smith's broken leg and dislocated ankle ruling him out for many months, United are woefully short of midfield options ahead of the Millennium Stadium showpiece against Wigan Athletic.

The likes of Roy Keane, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Kleberson and Eric Djemba-Djemba have all left the club in recent times, and Sir Alex Ferguson was unable to strengthen this area during January's transfer window.

Youngster Richie Jones was recalled from a loan spell at feeder club Royal Antwerp and Ryan Giggs has been trying to adapt to a central role, but the midfield was clearly overrun in the disappointing FA Cup exit at Liverpool.

O'Shea, although nominally a defender, can do a job in midfield and may be required at the weekend if he can prove his fitness.

The Irishman managed more than an hour of the reserve side's 4-1 win on Tuesday and will continue to train hard in order to convince Ferguson he is capable of starting against Wigan.

Giuseppe Rossi scored two of the goals and will be hoping he has done enough to secure a place on the bench in Cardiff.