John O'Shea 'honoured' as Man United hero takes first step towards Republic of Ireland management
John O'Shea has been appointed interim coach of the Republic of Ireland, the FAI has confirmed.
He manchester united hero will take charge of the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland before a permanent successor Stephen Kenny is appointed in April.
The Irishman, who played 118 international matches for his country and was Kenny's assistant, will have crystal Palace Coach Paddy McCarthy works alongside him.
O'Shea said: “I am delighted to return to the senior men's coaching staff as interim head coach for the two international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.
“It will be an incredible honor to lead the team in the March international window. As you will all know, I have always had immense pride in representing my country, whether during my playing career or, very recently, as part of the coaching staff. the senior men's team and the under-21 team.
“It is fantastic that Paddy has agreed to take part in both matches and work will begin immediately to prepare for two high quality matches against great rivals in Belgium and Switzerland, in front of our fantastic home support.
“I have a lot of faith that this group of players will win football games and I hope to get positive results.”
The FAI confirmed its decision not to renew Kenny's contract in November 2023 after failed qualification campaigns for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
Kenny replaced Mick McCarthy in April 2020 but oversaw a disappointing three-year spell that included home defeats to Luxembourg and Greece.
O'Shea has previously held coaching roles at Reading, Republic of Ireland U21, Stoke City and most recently Birmingham City, but this represents his first role as a head coach.
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He is remembered particularly fondly for his time at Old Trafford, where he won five Premier League and Champions League titles as a player.
Announcing O'Shea's interim appointment, FAI director of football Marc Canham said: “We are pleased to confirm that the process for the appointment of a new men's head coach is nearing completion and we look forward to announcing that appointment in April.
“For now, the focus is on the upcoming matches against Belgium and Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium and supporting John and his team as they prepare for the matches.”
Belgium will visit Dublin on March 23 and the match against Switzerland will also be played at the Aviva Stadium three days later.
