Gus Poyet signed five players:- Marcos Alonso, on loan from Fiorentina, has become first choice at left-back, Liam Bridcutt impressed on his debut at Newcastle United, while Argentine trio Oscar Ustari, Santiago Vergini and Ignaco Scocco have all played a part.
John O’Shea: “The manager knew all about the players he brought in during January.
"That was an important thing for him. He wanted players who could settle in quickly because of the position we’re in.
“We needed to add quality to the squad too to increase the competition and I think he’s done that.
"If you have competition, that will always be the key to a successful team.
“It will be the manager’s call when Wes (Brown) comes back, but Santi has obviously done brilliantly
“For him to come into these games in the way he has, has been fantastic. He’s very, very comfortable on the ball coming out from the back and he’s a no-nonsense defender when he has to be too."