John O’Shea in prime position to succeed Hallgrimsson

Heimir Hallgrímsson said: 'I'm delighted to secure the services of John and Paddy for the coaching team, and welcome Gudmundur to Ireland'

STAYING PUT: John O’Shea has accepted the No 2 role, with Crystal Palace’s Paddy McCarthy also staying onboard as an assistant coach. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

John O’Shea has put himself firmly in position to succeed Heimir Hallgrímsson once the new Ireland manager’s tenure concludes.

As revealed by the Irish Examiner on July 26, O’Shea – who took interim charge in the four friendlies while the FAI’s search struck multiple delays – has accepted the No 2 role, with Crystal Palace’s Paddy McCarthy onboard as an assistant coach.