A former Premier League and Champions League winner has been appointed as the Republic of Ireland’s interim head coach.
The nation have been searching for a new coach since Stephen Kenny’s departure in November last year, after they failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
They’ve confirmed that a permanent successor to Kenny will be announced in April before revealing that a Manchester United legend would take up a temporary role.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Republic of Ireland officially confirmed that John O’Shea had been appointed as their interim head coach for their March friendlies.
In a statement, O’Shea said: ‘I’m delighted to return to the senior men’s coaching staff as Interim Head Coach for the two international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.
Ex-Man United star John O’Shea has been appointed Republic of Ireland’s interim head coach
O’Shea made 394 appearances at Old Trafford and won five Premier League titles in that time
‘It will be an incredible honour to lead the side into the March international window.
‘As everyone will know, I’ve always had immense pride representing my country, whether that be during my playing career or very recently, as part of the coaching staff for the men’s senior team and the Under-21s.
‘It’s great that Paddy has agreed to come on board for the two matches and work will begin straight away to prepare for two top-quality fixtures against great opposition in Belgium and Switzerland, in front of our fantastic home support.
‘I’ve got great belief in this group of players to win football matches and looking forward to some positive results.’
O’Shea had previously served on Stephen Kenny’s coaching staff prior to his departure in the latter end of 2023.
In February last year, O’Shea, who made 118 caps for Ireland, was appointed assistant coach for the first team after working with the Under 21 side for almost three years.
O’Shea had served on Stephen Kenny’s coaching staff prior to his departure in November 2023
He also has coaching experience in domestic football with Reading, Stoke City and Birmingham City – where he served as a first-team coach for Wayne Rooney.
O’Shea, who made 394 appearances at Old Trafford, was an integral part of the successful United squad which won a number of trophies including five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
O’Shea retired from playing at Reading in 2019 after a long stint at Sunderland following his time at Old Trafford.
