Former Manchester United Defender John O’Shea Has Landed a Top Job in Ireland

The 42-year-old, who won 118 caps for the Republic, was an assistant coach under previous manager Stephen Kenny and with the Under-21 side.

Worth noting, Kenny left the role in November of 2023 after failing to qualify for Euro 2024.

Further the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has also confirmed Kenny’s permanent replacement will be appointed in “early April”.

In the meantime, O’Shea will lead the team in the friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March 2024 and will be supported by Crystal Palace assistant coach Paddy McCarthy.

The former Sunderland defender had coaching spells with Reading and Stoke City before joining former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney’s backroom team at Birmingham City.

He left the Championship club in January following Rooney’s dismissal as head coach.

O’Shea, who retired from playing in 2019, said it will be an “incredible honour” to lead the Republic in next month’s friendlies.

“I’ve always had immense pride representing my country, whether that be during my playing career or as part of the coaching staff,” said O’Shea, who won five Premier League titles and a Champions League during 12 years at Old Trafford.