Dara O'Shea: We just want a manager who understands Irish football

Lee Carsley’s official withdrawal from the running triggered a slew of other contenders from far and wide, including the Greece and Georgia managers who face each other tonight for a place at the Euros.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS: Waterford's John O'Shea did his prospects of landing the Republic of Ireland manager's job no harm at all on Saturday when his side were unlucky to play out a 0-0 draw with Belgium in Dublin. Photo: Inpho.

Ireland’s 2018 win over USA was supposed to mark the guard changing with John O’Shea bowing out and Declan Rice tipped for leadership in his absence.

During the run-up to his 118th and final cap on that June evening, it was widely felt the teen would join O’Shea in the centurion club. The veteran spoke of Rice as the future skipper.