All about that winning feeling for O'Shea

Troy Parrott’s stoppage time goal handed O’Shea his first victory at the third attempt - boosting his prospects of landing the post on a permanent basis.

Tue, 04 Jun, 2024 - 23:05

John Fallon

Regaining the winning feeling - through whatever means - was the aspect that most pleased interim boss John O'Shea about Ireland’s late victory over Hungary.

Troy Parrott’s stoppage time goal handed O’Shea his first victory at the third attempt - boosting his prospects of landing the post on a permanent basis.

That it occurred against a team ranked 36 places above them in FIFA’s rankings and ended their 14-match unbeaten run highlighted the feat.

Ireland’s final friendly is away to Portugal next Tuesday before the UEFA Nations League kicks off against England on September 7.

“There’s the evidence that we’re winning games again, which is hugely important at home if we want to start qualifying for tournaments again,” said the ex-Manchester United defender.

“That’s the foundation for qualifying.

"Hungary were unbeaten and we found a way by causing them problems at different stages.”

O’Shea praised the composure of Parrott in the back of his 17-goal season with Dutch club Excelsior.

“He was very calm because the that’s vein of form he’s in.

“The plan was to get him on the pitch and in those positions if we can.”