Ex-Sunderland man lifts lid on Roy Keane, Newcastle United regret, Michael Owen moment and coaching ambition

Former Sunderland defender Paul McShane has been reflecting on his time on Wearside in a recent club programme interview ahead of the Black Cats’ meeting with Brighton.

Speaking to Sunderland’s Rob Mason, the Republic of Ireland international looked back on his move to the Stadium of Light under Roy Keane, his Premier League debut, memories of the Tyne-Wear derby and his later spells at both Brighton and Hull City.

Paul McShane on joining Sunderland

Paul McShane: “It was a huge move for me to be just 21 and given an opportunity to play in the Premier League, especially at a club like Sunderland. I was aware of the amazing fanbase and it was an exciting time around the club. I was really looking forward to working with Roy Keane, who I’d come across before when I was a youngster at Manchester United. He was my idol growing up, so the move felt perfect.”

“He was passionate, and his standards were top. I remember him as captain at Manchester United, and suddenly I was in the dressing room with him every day. I’d trained with him in pre-season friendlies, so I already knew the standards he kept. They were the highest I’ve ever seen. He demanded everything and had a presence about him. There was definitely a fear factor, but I was desperate to go out and play for him. He was someone you didn’t want to let down.”

On his Sunderland debut vs Spurs (2007)

Paul McShane: “It was amazing. We’d had a really good pre-season and I remember playing Juventus at the Stadium of Light, where the atmosphere was incredible. Before the first game I was very nervous because it was my Premier League debut and we were facing some huge names. I remember wondering how it was going to go.

“But once the game started I just thought: ‘Let’s go and face the challenge.’ We fought tooth and nail to stay in the game and then Michael Chopra scored the winner late on. It was a perfect start and an amazing feeling. I still remember the noise of the crowd when that goal went in.”

On playing in the Tyne-Wear derbies

Paul McShane: “I loved the one at the Stadium of Light. I didn’t enjoy the one at St James’ Park if I’m honest. I played right-back and remember Michael Owen nipping in front of me for a header. I struggled in that game, and it was a tough one to take. I just got it wrong and mistimed it. As a defender, you’ve got to look at yourself afterwards and think about what you could have done better. I knew how much it meant to the fans, and to be honest, I didn’t want to leave my house for a while after that.”

On his Republic of Ireland career

Paul McShane: “My debut against the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road would have to be the most memorable. The atmosphere was amazing. I was up against Jan Koller, who was about 6ft 8in, so I decided to give him a right bash. I ended up getting Man of the Match. Most of my caps came early in my career when I was between 20 and 24. I got about 30 caps by that time, but after that I only added two or three.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

On reflecting on his Sunderland spell

Paul McShane: “It was mixed because I loved it at the start when I was playing every week and learning loads. But being so young and playing at centre-back, I did make mistakes. Some weeks I was really good, and other weeks I wasn’t. You have to swallow those mistakes, and it can be tough. Overall, I really enjoyed it, but when I left, I felt like I had unfinished business at Sunderland. I loved playing for the fans there.”

On his loan to Hull and the 2014 FA Cup run

Paul McShane: “I remember the night before the first round tie when I said to the lads in the hotel, there was no reason we couldn’t go all the way to the final. They laughed at first, but I was serious. We had a decent squad and knocked out both Sunderland and Brighton. I’d been injured but got back just before the final. It was a sickener to lose in extra time after being in such a good position.”

On moving into coaching

Paul McShane: “Yes, I think the ambition has to be to become a number one eventually. But I always wanted to make sure I was ready for it rather than jumping straight in. I want to continue my football education and hopefully move into a job where I know I’ve covered every angle if I want to become a successful manager.”

Your next Sunderland read: 'I found a home' – Patrick Roberts issues final emotional goodbye to Sunderland fans after Birmingham move