Defender Paul McShane says he headed that many balls during an underage game that he temporarily became cross eyed.
The Irish international joined Friday’s OTB AM.
“We played a game; Under-12s against the Under-14 b team. Their goalkeeper was booting the ball like a hundred feet up in the air, and I was heading every single one of them. It was those Mitre Multiplexes,’ said the Wicklow man.
McShane recalled an under age game in which he played at centre-back. The Reading player says he headed the older and heavier footballs so frequently, that it led to him becoming temporarily cross-eyed, and ultimately concussed.
“The last five minutes I headed one, and I went cross-eyed. I went cross-eyed and I couldn’t get my eyes back, and I was running around in a panic. I headed that many balls, I went cross-eyed. So, talk about concussion.”
The 32-year-old says it is something that worries him in the modern day game.
“Yes, yes. Especially the height I am. I catch people’s heads and stuff. It is a bit of a worry, all right, yeah.
The former Manchester United player said speaking to Kevin Doyle was a concern. Doyle retired after sustaining numerous concussions during his career.
"Kevin Doyle was saying that every time he headed the ball, he was getting a concussion.It's probably because of the likes of me. Heading the back of his head.It is a worry but it wouldn't stop me, like.
McShane says the thought of concussion wouldn't cross his mind before walking out on the pitch.
"No, it wouldn't cross my mind."
You can listen to the full interview above on our YouTube channel.
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