John O'Shea appointed assistant coach to Ireland boss Stephen Kenny

Former Ireland international John O'Shea has been confirmed as Ireland manager Stephen Kenny's new assistant coach. He will step up from his role with the U21s

STEPPING UP: Ireland U21 coach John O'Shea is reportedly in line to join Ireland's senior coaching set-up. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Former Ireland international John O'Shea has been confirmed as Ireland manager Stephen Kenny's new assistant coach.

O'Shea will join the senior coaching ticket in a step up from his role with the Ireland U21s.

The role has been vacant since John Eustace departed to become the Birmingham City manager.

He replaced Chelsea coach Anthony Barry who had left to join the Belgium international set-up under Roberto Martinez.

Shelbourne boss Damien Duff had previously left the role following the controversy surrounding the playing of a motivational video before Ireland played England in a friendly in 2020.

Former Manchester United and Sunderland defender O'Shea, who won 118 caps with Ireland, has been a part of the backroom staff with the Under 21s.

He has also been a coach with Reading and is currently on the staff at Championship side Stoke.

The Waterford man will link up with Ireland beginning in March for the start of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign while continuing in his current role with Stoke.

Stephen Kenny said: "We're delighted to welcome John to the senior international coaching team.

"John had a brilliant career playing for Ireland right through from U15 to earning 118 caps for his country. Following that, he has committed himself to a career in coaching, working with both Reading and Stoke City for almost four years now.

"He has also combined that with a full campaign with the Ireland U-21s team under Jim Crawford and I have watched his progress closely as he made a positive contribution throughout his time with the team. John will now make the transition into the senior coaching team where he knows the team well and we look forward to John joining our staff for the Latvia and France matches in March."

O'Shea said: "I'm delighted to join the Ireland senior international team coaching staff and looking forward to working with Stephen and the rest of the backroom team when the campaign begins in March.

"It was always an honour to play for my country and put on the green shirt so to join the coaching staff and work with the current group of players and staff is an amazing opportunity for me.

"I'd like to thank Jim Crawford and the Ireland U-21 backroom team who've been fantastic to work with over the last few years and wish them every success after such a strong qualification campaign last year.

"We've got a really exciting group of players, a good mix of youth and experience, and some fantastic fixtures to look forward to this year so I can't wait for it to begin and to get to work with the squad and staff."