O'Shea: French experience will stand O'Brien in good stead

O’Shea underwent a similar career upbringing, taking in a loan spell in Belgian outfit Antwerp before making his mark at United, and feels his fellow Munsterman is on track to add depth to Ireland’s central-defensive pool.

FRENCH EXCHANGE: Jake O'Brien of Republic of Ireland with his nephew, Beau, after the UEFA European U21 Championship play-off first leg match between Republic of Ireland and Israel. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Ireland’s lone man in Ligue One, Jake O’Brien, received a cryptic message within hours of joining Olympique Lyon.

“Don’t worry, Larry White will look after you,” beamed the words on the Corkman’s phone.