Skip to main content Skip to footer 
Former Manchester United stalwart and Republic of Ireland international, John O’Shea, has been appointed as the interim head coach of the national team following the departure of Stephen Kenny.
O’Shea, who boasts an illustrious career spanning 118 caps for the Republic, transitions from his role as an assistant coach under Kenny’s tenure and with the under-21 side. Kenny’s exit came in the wake of the team’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has disclosed that O’Shea’s interim stint will be temporary, with plans to name a permanent replacement for Kenny in early April.
In his capacity as interim head coach, O’Shea will spearhead the team during their upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March. The 42-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having served in coaching roles at clubs such as Reading, Stoke City, and Birmingham City alongside former teammate Wayne Rooney.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity, O’Shea emphasized his pride in representing his country and expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities to achieve positive results.
“I’ve always had immense pride representing my country… It’s great that Paddy [McCarthy] has agreed to come on board… to prepare for two top-quality fixtures against great opposition,” O’Shea remarked.
Assisting O’Shea in his interim role will be Crystal Palace assistant coach Paddy McCarthy.
Meanwhile, FAI director of football Marc Canham provided insight into the ongoing process of selecting Kenny’s successor. While confirming O’Shea’s appointment, Canham commended his coaching acumen and familiarity with the team, underscoring their belief in the interim setup.
As speculation swirls regarding Kenny’s permanent replacement, names such as Lee Carsley and Neil Lennon have surfaced. However, the FAI has indicated that Lennon is no longer in contention for the role, signaling a narrowing of the field as the organization moves closer to finalizing its decision.
