John O’Shea says his former Manchester United team-mates are surprised at the difficulties they have faced this season. Speaking with Off the Ball today, the Ireland international discussed the current plight.

Off the Ball’s Joe Molloy asked O’Shea if he felt his former team-mates were surprised by how this season has gone, and O’Shea responded: “Of course. Pure and simple, of course, but they’re doing everything, in their eyes...they’re doing as much as they were last season. So obviously something’s not clicking somewhere.

“You can tell they’re hurting, You can tell the players are hurting.”

O’Shea’s chat with Off the Ball also covered the current situation at Sunderland – where relegation is becoming an increasingly likely possible end to this season.

“Hopefully the determination is in the squad to stand up and make sure we’re a premier league club next season,” O’Shea said.

The Waterford man also discussed the effect of the double appointment of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane as the new Irish management team, his memories of playing with Roy Keane years ago and now working under him (he hasn’t changed much, O’Shea tells us) and why his character in interviews and off the pitch is not necessarily to be found when he crosses the white line or enters the dressing room.

Listen to the full interview below or download the Off the Ball Football Show on iTunes