O’Shea believes Ireland future in safe hands

Now that the uncertainty over Roy Keane’s future is resolved, Ireland vice-captain John O’Shea believes the team can prosper on the back of two impressive displays.

The Sunderland defender shares Martin O’Neill’s frustration at the litany of missed chances against both Turkey and Italy, quipping Shane Long must be storing up the goals for the Euro 2016 qualifiers in the autumn.

While O’Shea has been excused from the trip to the US this week by O’Neill to remain in England with his young family, the Waterford man is upbeat about the progress made under the guidance of O’Neill and Keane.

“As a back-five, we were determined to keep a clean sheet against the Italians,” he said in reference to Saturday’s scoreless draw.

“Although they gave us a few scares, we kept them fairly quiet on the night. The performance against Italy was the best for a long time. The intensity was pleasing

“I had been so annoyed after we lost to Turkey. If we were to play that game again 100 times, we’d win 99 of them due to the chances we had. Hopefully, Shane is saving a few goals for the qualifiers!”

The 33-year-old was adamant that the unrelenting talk of Ireland assistant boss Keane seemingly on the brink of taking the vacant manager’s job at Celtic wasn’t a distraction.

“There were bits of speculation about Roy but we saw against Italy it didn’t affect anything. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

A player integral to that future is Norwich City playmaker Wes Hoolahan, having furthered his claims for the No 10 berth with another fine contribution against the Azzurri.

“I think in the last couple of games we have played really well withoutgetting the goal that would have put us in front,” said Hoolahan.

“Sitting in behind Shane [Long] in the team is a dream. He puts himself about and will run in behind the defence.”

Hoolahan’s desire to leave Carrow Road during last season was evidenced by the transfer request he lodged but Neil Adams, recently installed as manager on a permanent basis, wants the Dubliner to stick around.

“Wes knows what I think of him,” said Adams yesterday. “I want to keep him here. I think he’s a fantastic player.