Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has taken on the role of interim head coach for the Republic of Ireland.
With a remarkable international career that includes 118 caps for the Republic, O’Shea previously served as an assistant coach under Stephen Kenny and worked with the Under-21 side.
Following Kenny’s departure in November, O’Shea will lead the team in friendly matches against Belgium and Switzerland in March.
Crystal Palace assistant coach Paddy McCarthy will support O’Shea during this interim period.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced that the permanent replacement for Kenny will be appointed in early April.
O’Shea’s coaching journey includes stints with Reading and Stoke City before joining Wayne Rooney’s backroom team at Birmingham City.
He left Birmingham City in January after Rooney’s dismissal as head coach.
Expressing his pride in leading the Republic in the upcoming friendlies, O’Shea, who retired from playing in 2019, considers it an “incredible honour.”
The FAI, in its pursuit of Kenny’s successor, has been linked with figures like ex-Wales manager Chris Coleman.
However, as the organization moves closer to a decision, O’Shea will guide the team in facing Belgium on March 23 and hosting Switzerland three days later.