John O’Shea has given Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton a timely boost by coming through 63 minutes of a Manchester United reserve match unscathed last night.

The Waterford man had not played since fracturing ribs in United’s Premiership win over Liverpool at the end of January.

He was expected to be out for six weeks but his speedy recovery is a boost for Staunton who selected him in his 23-man squad to face Sweden at Lansdowne Road this day week.

O’Shea’s immediate focus, however, is to capitalise on Alan Smith’s injury woe and claim a spot in the United squad for Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Wigan at the Millennium Stadium.

Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott makes his long awaited return tonight for Sunderland’s reserves.

The 22-year-old suffered a stress fracture of the back and has not played since November. He was back jogging last week and is also named in Staunton’s squad.