O'Shea a contender for midfield

More is likely to be known following this afternoon's first squad training session (4pm at Malahide), but 23-year-old O'Shea (pictured congratulating Damien Duff on his goal in Georgia last year) has shown himself to be capable in that area for United.

Kerr reported no injury worries ahead of the weekend's World Cup Group 4 qualifier in Paris, and the squad - who are currently assembling in Dublin - will train in Malahide again tomorrow morning before departing for France on Thursday.

Kerr's other options in midfield - presuming former international skipper Roy Keane is a shoe-in for one of the central spots - is linking up either Graham Kavanagh, the fit-again Matt Holland, Kevin Kilbane or indeed O'Shea with Keane.

51-cap Kilbane lasted the full 90 minutes alongside the United captain in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Basel three weeks ago, whilst 30-year-old Cardiff midfielder Kavanagh held that berth for the 3-0 success over Cyprus in Dublin.

If O'Shea is adopted as a left-back, word is Steve Finnan could feature on the right side of midfield, with off-form Newcastle United defender Steve Carr, who was substituted for Finnan in the second half against Cyprus, retaining his right-full position.

Carr is a particular favourite of Kerr's, as the 28-year-old has started both of Ireland's opening two World Cup qualifiers, and the last two crucial games - against Russia and Switzerland - in the side's vanquished Euro 2004 campaign.