Steve Bruce comments on Dara O’Shea’s impact at West Brom

Bruce, who was only appointed as West Brom’s new manager last week, has been quick to praise O’Shea for his desire and effort.

The Irish defender has returned from injury quicker than expected following his appearance for the Baggies in a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United midweek. 

Bruce singled out O’Shea, indicating that he has taken a quick liking to the defender as a member of his squad. 

“He has got that natural desire a defender needs. He has got those leadership qualities and he plays with his heart on his sleeve,” said Bruce, via Birmingham Live. 

“[Dara] jumped into a tackle two days ago and I’m thinking ‘dear oh dear – you’ve just come back from a bad injury.’

“He’s showed no signs of that, I’ve had to slow him down on the training ground. It’s good to have him back. He’d gone 45 and 60, and Monday night was his 90. He was itching to come back into the squad, the type of lad he is.

“He proved his fitness the last two or three weeks before I got here. I didn’t hesitate to bring him back in.”

This indicates that O’Shea will have a big role to play under Bruce as West Brom look to earn a play-off place.

O’Shea was set to make a return under Valerien Ismael before he was dismissed on February 1. 

The 22-year old has been out ever since fracturing his ankle while representing his country five months ago.

He will be raring to go as he looks to return to full time action over the course of the next few weeks.

West Brom will be hoping he can play a role in helping the club turn around their fortunes as they have slipped out of the automatic promotion race in recent weeks. 

Their form has seen them drop to ninth in the Championship table. 

Up next for Bruce’s side is the visit of Blackburn Rovers to the Hawthorns on