John O’Shea confirmed his status as Waterford’s highest roller by signing a stg£16.5, four-year contract with Manchester United in midweek, writes Jamie O’Keeffe.

The former Ferrybank and Waterford Bohemians schoolboy put pen to paper on Wednesday on a deal worth £80,000 per week plus bonuses.

O’Shea, who’ll be 30 next April, has been at Old Trafford since his starring role in Ireland’s Under-16 European Championship triumph under Brian Kerr in 1998.

Having made his first-team debut the following year, and spent time on loan at Antwerp, he really broke into the United side in 2002-’03 and, though a natural defender, he’s since played in practically every position, including on goal.

Despite missing the second half of last season with a leg injury sustained in Ireland’s World Cup play-off defeat in Paris 12 months ago, he’s now made 373 senior club appearances (scoring 15 goals) and boasts four Premier League medals, as well as enjoying Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup success. He’s also up to 65 Irish caps.

Where once his versatility was seen as a hindrance, O’Shea has certainly made patience a virtue, and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he’s delighted to have re-signed a player of such vast experience, not to mention his “personality and professionalism”, and is confident he has years left yet at the top level.

Son of Mary and Jim, John married his long-time girlfriend Yvonne Manning from Waterford in Co Kildare last June and the couple live in Cheshire.

Despite the gloomy times here at home few would begrudge someone who’s a superb ambassador, and always generous with his time and wealth, his rich rewards.