"As a defence we have enjoyed consistent success for the last five years, so I feel like I have let coach Stubler down by not performing to the expected level," Milton's Mike O'Shea told the Champion yesterday morning, following Don Matthews' replacement of the first-year head coach Tuesday.

The CFL's longest-serving active player, O'Shea is among a select few who were around when 'The Don' led Toronto to back-to-back Grey Cup victories in 1996 and '97.

Despite that familiarity, the 16-year pro is one of several players who'll be under a microscope in the coming weeks, as the 4-6 Argos look to regain the formidable defence that's made them a perennial contender.

"We all know this is a business, so when a player gets cut or a coach gets fired you still have to win the next game. And with coach Matthews, he reminds you of that fact fairly quickly," said O'Shea, who turns 38 next weekend. "You have to find your passion and prove your worth the next time you step on the field."

While re-inserted into the starting lineup for Sunday's 45-19 loss to Montreal, O'Shea was used sparingly the week before against Hamilton and admits he's been having to work much harder as of late to make a contribution.

The three-time Grey Cup champion and his Argos will look to get Matthews' return off to a good start tonight, when they host the Blue Bombers.

The last Toronto-Winnipeg showdown saw O'Shea go head-to-head with fellow Miltonian Matt O'Meara, who was making just his second CFL start on the offensive line during a stretch of injuries.

The 26-year-old has since returned to back-up duty with the 2-8 Bombers.