FAI recruit Joey O'Brien for Ireland U17s role

“We’d be mad not to bring experience like Joey in around our camps," said FAI technical director Shane Robinson.

EXPERIENCE: Former Shelbourne head coach Joey O'Brien. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

While a war of wards ensues between Joey O’Brien and Shelbourne over his sacking in June, he’s been enlisted onto the staff of Ireland U17s ahead of their World Cup tilt.

Ireland are gearing up for a second successive trip to Qatar, where they open against Brazil on November 21, and for preparation will be in St George’s Park on September 23 for a friendly against England.

They’ll continue that camp with three games in Warsaw against the hosts Poland, Georgia and Canada – their last warm-ups for the global showpiece.

Corkman John Cotter has succeeded his former boss Colin O’Brien as manager and will be assisted by Mark Connors at the finals.

Another O’Brien, five-times capped Joey, has only committed for this camp but could trek to the far-east if still available into the winter.

“Joey has unbelievable experience,” said FAI technical director Shane Robinson about his fellow member of the current Uefa Pro License course.

“Having listened to his journey, the people he’s worked with like Sam Allardyce who has shaped him, we want those people in our system to influence players, even if it's for a short time.

“Last year I was at the World Cup and Damien Duff was working for Fifa. I’d prefer to see him working with us in the FAI to give back to the players.

“I took away from that experience that we’d be mad not to bring experience like Joey in around our camps. He’s a brilliant person but also valuable to have around.”