John O'Shea admits his disappointment at failing to hold down a permanent first-team place at Old Manchester United will be a small price to pay for another Premiership winner's medal.

The 25-year-old Waterford-man has predominantly figured as a late substitute for Alex Ferguson's side this campaign and after starting in the Wednesday win over Watford, he could well find himself back on the bench for tomorrow's trip to Tottenham.

Yet O'Shea acknowledges it is precisely the spirit engendered by a fully-fit and thriving squad which has sent his side six points clear of Chelsea and looking strong bets to reclaim their title.

O'Shea said: "It is obviously frustrating when you are not playing week in, week out but that is the case when everyone is fit and you are top of the league. The manager has big decisions to make and when you get your chance you have got to take it.

"Everyone is chomping at the bit to get into the team. In the last couple of seasons we have had vital players missing for months but this season we have coped with everything that has been thrown at us and you can see we are enjoying it."

United head to White Hart Lane with striker Louis Saha back in contention following a knee injury and knowing it is crucial to improve a recent record on their travels which reads four points from their last four games.

It is particularly imperative with potentially difficult away trips to the likes of Stamford Bridge and Anfield and a derby against City still to come this season, while Chelsea boast a relatively easier run-in.

But O'Shea insists Chelsea's result is the last thing on the minds of the Manchester United dressing room as they focus on maintaining and extending their lead for as long as possible.

O'Shea added: "We are just looking at ourselves and we know it is going to be a tough game on Sunday and we have got tough games to come. But with the form we are in we are feeling very positive at the moment.

"You know what games are coming up and how difficult they are but we keep thinking after each game that that is another game down. Last time we won the league we went to these places and won these games, and that is what we have to do now."

O'Shea, meanwhile, has added his voice to the United stars who have sung the praises of veteran Swedish striker Henrik Larsson since his arrival on a short-term loan deal from Helsingborgs in the new year.

There is already talk of Ferguson seeking to make Larsson's move to Old Trafford permanent and such a move would go down well with O'Shea, who insists the striker has served as an inspiration to the rest of the squad.

O'Shea added: "You can see from the impact he has had and the goals he has scored already that he is a top-class player and it is a privilege to train and play with him. He gave the squad a little boost at a good time when difficult games were coming up, and it will be sad to see him go if he does go."  PA