O'Shea: My Winning Goal Is For Dad

John O'Shea's reprise of the unlikely hero's role came not only at a timely moment for United but also for himself and his family.

The Irishman spoke about his father after scoring the Reds' winner against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, on the eve of his 28th birthday.

"It’s an early birthday gift for me but I have to dedicate that one to my dad," said O'Shea. "He’s been having a tough time of late, I’m sure this will cheer him up a bit."

The goal also brought cheer to millions of Reds around the world. But the masses may share O'Shea's feeling that United should have won by more.

"On our first half display, we could have been a couple more goals up," said O'Shea. "Their keeper made a couple of great saves.

"We have a lead, we’ve kept a clean sheet and we know we’re capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates. But the tie's definitely not over."

Should United win the tie, then O'Shea can look forward to a start in Rome. Sir Alex Ferguson said: "John is one of the great professionals of our time. If you asked me now whether he'd play if we were in the final, I would say yes."