Jim Crawford sure John O'Shea has all the tools to make senior Ireland role a success

The former Man Utd defender takes charge of the Boys in Green for a double header of friendlies.

Head coach Jim Crawford, right, with assistant coach Paul McShane at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Jim Crawford has backed John O’Shea, his old sidekick with the Republic of Ireland U21s, to bring a lifetime’s worth of experience and a varied skillset to the interim role of senior management.

O’Shea is in charge for the upcoming men’s friendlies against Belgium on Saturday and Switzerland three days later having been handed the role following the departure of Stephen Kenny last year and in the absence of a confirmed successor.