Kevin Phillips makes Dara O’Shea admission amid recent comments from WBA boss Steve Bruce

This comment comes off the back of Steve Bruce making a similar claim about the Irish defender. 

Phillips believes that O’Shea possesses obvious leadership qualities that make him an ideal candidate for the role. 

Bruce recently admitted his admiration for the 23-year old and that he sees O’Shea as a future captain of the club. 

When asked if he agreed with Bruce’s position, Phillips responded: “I would say so,” courtesy of West Brom News. 

“I wouldn’t disagree, he has worked with him day in and day out, and I don’t think he’s going to go against his judgement – Bruce has been there, seen it, done it.

“If he’s saying that, I think we’ve seen it from his leadership qualities on the pitch when he plays, he never gives up, always keeps going and he shows his captaincy qualities in a different way, I can definitely see it.”

O’Shea’s chances have been limited this season due to injuries, with the Irishman only appearing eight times for the club this season. 

But O’Shea is nearing his return to full fitness, and he will be motivated by his manager’s latest comments. 

O’Shea made his return to the West Brom side against Sheffield United in February, but has only started two games since, lasting 90 and 45 minutes respectively.

The defender featured for Stephen Kenny’s Ireland side on Tuesday evening as they won 1-0 at home to Lithuania. 

Next up for West Brom is a trip to St Andrews to face Birmingham City on April 3.

O’Shea has been desperately unlucky with injury, with his ankle issue keeping him out of action for the majority of the season.

But he will be hoping for a clean end of the season as he looks to earn his way back into the Baggies lineup.

Bruce obviously sees quality to his game, and he just needs a run of matches