John O'Shea has admitted his mind will start to drift back 12 months if Sunday's showdown between Manchester United and Liverpool is still level heading into the final minute.

O'Shea ensured himself legendary status among the United faithful last term when he scooped home an injury-time winner at Anfield that ultimately proved to be a pivotal moment in the Red Devils' successful Premier League title quest.

Even if he shakes off a groin problem picked up against AS Roma on Wednesday, the Republic of Ireland international knows he will almost certainly be on the bench this weekend.

But that will not stop him dreaming about netting another show-stopping winner.

"What happened at Anfield last season is definitely up there as one of the best moments of my career," he said.

"I am sure it will be on my mind on Sunday, especially if I come on in the last few minutes and the scoreline is level."

Sir Alex Ferguson's Mr Versatility recently signed a contract extension with the Red Devils until 2012 despite rarely being a regular member of the United manager's first choice line-up.

Nevertheless, O'Shea has still amassed well over 250 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit.

And even though there would have been a host of clubs queuing up for his services had the Waterford-born star indicated he wanted to leave, he never seriously considered the idea.

"It never crossed my mind to leave," said O'Shea.

"Of course I would like to be playing more games but at the same time, I am involved in all the matches and I know that I will get my chance.

"The decision to stay was very easy and the contract was sorted out nice and quickly.

"When you look at the success we have had and the talented squad we have got, it bodes very well for the future. It is something I wanted to be part of."

O'Shea initially burst on to the first-team scene as a left-back, even though he was a central defender during his formative years in the United junior sides.

Since then, the Waterford-born star has played at right-back, left-back, centre-half or central midfield, and O'Shea has rarely let his manager down.

Famously, he even kept a clean sheet when taking over as an emergency goalkeeper when Edwin van der Sar broke his nose at Tottenham last season.

While some feel his failure to nail down a permanent place has had a negative impact on his career, O'Shea disagrees.

"One of the main reasons I have played so many games for United is because I can play in so many different positions," he said.

"The manager knows I can do a job anywhere across the back four or in midfield, so there are a few slots I am available for.

"It is a positive thing and I am always ready whenever the manager needs me."

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