HE turns 36 at the end of next month, yet John O’Shea thinks his performances for Sunderland are the perfect preparation for a heated international outing rather than a two-week break.

O’Shea looks set for a recall to the Ireland starting line-up against Wales in a qualifier on Friday night because of injury to Newcastle’s Ciaran Clark.

The most experienced member of Martin O’Neill’s squad, after Shay Given and Robbie Keane’s retirements, knows that if he plays his cards right, he could fulfil his World Cup dream too.

Sunderland are rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, but O’Shea is confident he can answer the SOS from O’Neill efficiently in a crucial qualifier at the top end of the qualifying group.

"Obviously I've had it the last few seasons where we have been struggling (Sunderland), so it's not as if it's new,” said O’Shea. “It's something you just adapt to, no problem. Whether I was top of the table earlier on in my career, shall we say, you just adapt to it.

“Always coming across for your country is a proud moment for everyone. Growing up it's always something you want to be a part of, so every time I do it I just enjoy it, switch off and focus totally on Ireland."

There remains a decent team spirit at the Stadium of Light despite the awful position seven points adrift of safety with ten matches remaining, although meeting up with the Irish camp does bring different feelings.

O’Shea said: “I think it's just a case that the atmosphere here at the minute in the squad is enjoyable, as it always is. You just come over and switch off from club level whether you're bottom of the table or top of the table. It's always been the case that you come over with the Irish team when I'm fit and available.”

The Welsh will head to the Aviva Stadium on Friday four points behind the Group D leaders, who are looking to stay ahead of Serbia in the race to Russia.

O’Shea will come up against one of the world’s best players in Gareth Bale, but is unconcerned having had to deal with plenty of top talents in the Premier league already this season.

He said: “Look, that's why you're playing. A few weeks ago you're playing against, Aguero, Costa, Kane. They're good players but that's who you want to be playing against. We look forward to it.

“Without a doubt it will feel like a derby on Friday, the familiarising is there, knowing them from club level, that could easily be the case but, also, there is enough experience there to make sure it is kept to within reason.”

O’Shea admits that he doesn’t know how long he has left of his playing days, he is just keen to keep playing to the highest standard for as long as he can. He will have turned 37 by the finals in Russia next summer, and would love to have that on his CV.

"Obviously I've not been to a World Cup either, so that's been a driving ambition,” he said. “But it's one of those things too that’s parked to one side for me. You deal with what's in front of you, one step at a time.

“But obviously if you could get to that situation for myself personally, totally as a selfish point of view that would be amazing. But first you put yourself forward to be used and needed when required. So that's what I've been willing to do for my country.

"I've been very fortunate in my career. Whatever happens, happens. I've done OK in my career. But obviously not getting to a World Cup so far has been annoying to say the least, with how close we've come a couple of times.

"Not that it's tough watching, you always wish you were there. You get on with it, you move on. We've qualified for the last couple of Euros but the World Cup has just evaded us.”