Ex-Sunderland and Man Utd man drops hint about future aspirations after international job
Former Sunderland defender John O’Shea was asked about his future following the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 defeat against Portugal.
Former Sunderland and Manchester United defender John O’Shea has suggested he would like to continue as the Republic of Ireland’s manager following a four-game interim period.
O’Shea took charge of the team’s friendly matches against Belgium and Switzerland in March, which ended in a goalless draw and 1-0 defeat respectively. He then oversaw a 2-1 win over Hungary earlier this month, before a 3-0 defeat against Portugal in Aveiro.
The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) will now look to appoint a permanent manager ahead of September’s Nation League matches against England and Greece, with director of football Marc Canham and technical director Packie Bonner among the key figures leading the search.
When asked about his conversations with those looking to appoint Ireland’s next manager, O’Shea said after the Portugal game: “I’ve been constantly speaking to them but it’s been about the games, as simple as that. Obviously then it’s a case of let’s see what happens over the next few days. But the four games have definitely whetted my appetite.
“I’ve said to the players about what it takes now for this group - and there’s players that are missing this evening as well. There’s more to come, and they have to give more because they’ve shown it in glimpses and you have to give more to get to major tournaments. That’s in terms of that dedication and sacrifice, on their fitness and as you mention their strength too.”
As a player, O’Shea made 256 appearances for Sunderland between 2011 and 2018.