FORMER Manchester United player John O’Shea has surprisingly been appointed as the interim head coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team.
The former defender will take charge of the Republic of Ireland’s March friendlies after being named interim head coach by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) today.
O’Shea, who worked as assistant to former manager Stephen Kenny, will take charge of games against Belgium and Switzerland next month.
The FAI said in a statement it plans to name a permanent successor to Kenny in early April.
“I’m delighted to return to the senior men’s coaching staff as interim head coach for the two international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland,” O’Shea, who had 118 caps for his country as a player, said.
“It will be an incredible honour to lead the side into the March international window.”
Ireland have been searching for a new boss since Kenny’s exit was confirmed in November after failing to qualify for Euro 2024.
O’Shea, 42, started his professional football career at Manchester United, playing for the club from 1999 to 2011.
The versatile player, who could slot in at centre-back, left-back and central midfield, won five Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League among other major trophies at United before moving on to Sunderland.
O’Shea made 394 appearances for Manchester United, all under the great Sir Alex Ferguson, and a further 256 with Sunderland before retiring at Reading in 2018.
