West Bromwich Albion picked up their third draw and first clean sheet of the season with a goalless stalemate with Cardiff City on Wednesday and Dara O’Shea put in a strong defensive performance.

The 23-year-old started alongside Semi Ajayi at centre-back and was solid throughout, limiting Cardiff to six shots over the 90 minutes, none of which hit the target.

Joseph Chapman of Birmingham Live gave O’Shea a player rating of 6/10 and said he ‘fared okay’ against City. Chapman was critical of the centre-back picking up a yellow card for a first-half foul but said he didn’t have much to worry about after the break.

Sam Stone of West Brom News gave the Republic of Ireland international a player rating of 7/10 and said he delivered a ‘commanding display’ while delivering some ‘excellent passes’.

Against Cardiff, O’Shea played for 90 minutes, had 74 touches, made four interceptions, had one tackle, made three clearances, won one aerial duel, completed 82.5% of his 63 passes and played 11 long balls out of the back with 45.5% finding a teammate.

The 22-year-old has made five appearances in all competitions this season and is shining with regular football after an injury-laden last campaign.

In other news, Okay Yokuslu shone v Cardiff City