O'Shea to be appointed as Hallgrimsson’s Ireland sidekick

BACK IN: John O'Shea ahead of an international friendly.

John O’Shea will shortly be confirmed as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s assistant after mulling over the offer from the new Ireland boss.

The Icelander was eager to retain the centurion after he assumed caretaker control for the four friendlies scheduled between Stephen Kenny’s exit and his appointment on July 10.

O’Shea was introduced to the newcomer that day, on Zoom, before meeting the supremo within days in his hometown of Waterford.

By the end of his first spell as a senior boss, the 43-year-old declared his readiness for his job on a permanent basis without being formally interviewed by the FAI.

The association, without entirely discounting his candidature, always held a preference for an experienced manager to spearhead the Uefa Nations League campaign, starting against England on September 7, and, moreover, the qualifiers kicking off next year for the 2026 World Cup.

O’Shea has taken his time to commit since the invitation to revert to a backroom role was tabled.

Contract details had to be trashed out, as he operated the March and June windows on an ad-hoc basis, with finality in sight by next week at the latest.

The retention of fellow coaches Glenn Whelan and Paddy McCarthy is also a priority but a degree of uncertainty exists over the goalkeeping role.

His compatriot Gudmundur Hreidarsson fulfilled that function during his two previous international assignments with Iceland and Jamaica.

The new regime kicks off against England before Greece completes the home double-header four days later.

Finland are also in the four-team pool, with the series concluding for Ireland at Wembley on November 17.

Meanwhile, Jake O’Brien is bound for return to England as three Premier League clubs vie for the Corkman’s signature.

The 6’6” centre-back thrived for Lyon last season, his promotion to the team coinciding with a resurgence which peaked with a French Cup final appearance and European qualification.

That ascent – coupled with his elevation to the Ireland team for the June friendlies – provoked a clamour of interest with suitors across Europe’s top leagues including him on their wishlist. A 23-year-old left-sided centre-back of his calibre is a rare commodity clubs are willing to splash out on.

Lyon have slapped a £25m price tag on their prized asset, initially causing Wolves to baulk at the prospect of hatching a deal.

Everton, admirers of the Youghal man since the January transfer window, have remained an active option, while Brentford this week registered their interest.

Thomas Frank forked out £23.5m last summer to recruit Nathan Collins and the defender’s compatriot could be joining up at the Bees – smashing his Irish transfer record in the process.

Lyon are prepared to be patient until their valuation is met, amid enquiries from others far and wide such as Ajax, but one of the English trio could opt to pounce in the coming days as the Premier League season kick-off looms in three weeks.

Wolves are desperate for reinforcements after recently losing captain Max Kilman. New West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui sanctioned a £40m to reunite him with his former player.

Hallgrimsson had spent the first fortnight of his tenure in Ireland, attending League of Ireland matches as well as watching the European home ties of Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic.

He also was present at Pairc Uí Chaoímh for the recent 3-1 Euro qualification win over France by Ireland’s women’s team. His first squad is due to be announced in three weeks.