'An incredible honour' — John O'Shea appointed interim Ireland manager

O'Shea will be assisted by Crystal Palace coach Paddy McCarthy.

Coach John O'Shea during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI have appointed John O’Shea as interim head coach of the men’s senior team

O'Shea, who has 118 caps for Ireland, will take charge of the two international friendlies in March against Belgium and Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium. He served as assistant to outgoing manager Stephen Kenny.

He will be assisted by Crystal Palace coach Paddy McCarthy.

The FAI also confirmed that a full-time successor to Stephen Kenny will be appointed in early April.

O’Shea said: "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.

"It will be an incredible honour to lead the side into the March international window. As everyone will know, I've always had immense pride representing my country, whether that be during my playing career or very recently, as part of the coaching staff for the men's senior team and the Under-21s.

"It’s great that Paddy has agreed to come on board for the two matches and work will begin straight away to prepare for two top-quality fixtures against great opposition in Belgium and Switzerland, in front of our fantastic home support.

“I've got great belief in this group of players to win football matches and looking forward to some positive results."

Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

FAI Marc Canham Director of Football added: “We’re delighted to announce John and Paddy as interim Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the March fixtures. John has developed a strong level of excellent coaching experience across both domestic and international football and has recently been involved at both U21 and senior level with Ireland alongside his considerable achievements as an international player and in his club career. John knows this group of players extremely well and with the support and expertise of Paddy, we believe this team are the right choice for the interim period.

"Paddy has fantastic experience as a coach and is a great addition to the staff, alongside his current role at Crystal Palace, his experience will prove invaluable to John and the team for these next two matches.

"We are also pleased to confirm that the process for the appointment of a new Men’s Head Coach is near completion and we are looking forward to announce that appointment in April. For now, the focus is on the upcoming matches against Belgium and Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium and supporting John and his team as they prepare for the games.”