Sunderland skipper John O'Shea says he owes his successful Manchester United career to a spell with Bournemouth.

O'Shea spent two months on loan at Dean Court as an 18-year-old.

“I had a fantastic experience down there in terms of football, the people. They really looked after me. I've only got positive memories," he told the Evening Chronicle.

“The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] sent me there to get an understanding of what it means to win games at that level, rather than just a reserve game.

“You see lads fighting for contracts, bonuses and that's what it meant to their careers.

“It was a great leveller for me."