John O'Shea channels 'Jimmy's winning matches' mantra as Ireland look to turn corner

Whatever the performances and results this week, O’Shea is also hoping that there will be more clarity surrounding the identity of the next permanent manager by the end of the current international window.

CHANNELLING JIM MCGUINNESS: John O’Shea is looking to Donegal manager Jim McGuinness for inspiration ahead of two friendlies that could go a long way to deciding if the former Manchester United star gets to manage his country on a full-time basis. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

John O’Shea is looking to Donegal manager Jim McGuinness for inspiration ahead of two friendlies that could go a long way to deciding if the former Manchester United star gets to manage his country on a full-time basis.

The Waterford man is serving as interim manager for friendly games at home to Hungary on Tuesday and away to Portugal later in the week having filled the same brief for the meetings with Belgium and Switzerland in the spring.