Interim Ireland boss John O'Shea has claimed he is honoured to take charge of the Irish national team. The Waterford native has been installed as a temporary solution while the FAI is looking for a full-time manager.
O'Shea is unlikely to get the job full-time because of the need for a more experienced candidate and the lack of game time to prove himself.
Ireland will play Belgium and Switzerland on March 23 and 26, and after that, a full-time boss is expected to be announced around early April, according to the FAI.
Whatever happens, O'Shea has spoken about his pride in managing his country and is fully focused on Ireland's next two games.
“Let’s hope that takes care of itself, but ultimately, for me, I’m focused on these two games, and we’ll see what happens then.
“What an amazing honour it is to get a chance to manage my country. When I got the message from Marc (Canham) a week ago, I was very proud.
“It’s an amazing feeling, and I can’t wait for it to come around, really.”
Former Ireland boss Brian Kerr will also join O'Shea on the sidelines for the two games this month. He believes that Kerr's invaluable experience would help the players.
John O'Shea"The relationship I have with Brian goes back a long time.
“I spoke to Marc Canham, and we were bouncing ideas around about staff; different things, procedures, and names were coming up.
“When I heard Brian’s name, I was like, yes, that sounds right to me because I know about, having spoken to him, his enthusiasm.
“His knowledge will be invaluable to not only the coaching staff but the players as well."
O'Shea has had spells on the sidelines at the likes of Birmingham, Ireland U-21's, and other clubs, but never as the main boss.
The former United defender admitted that he has been thinking about coaching for a long time, even back in his playing days.
"In my head, I’ve been preparing for an opportunity like this for a long time.
“Obviously, it’s two games, but in my head, I’ve been preparing since my late 20s and 30s that I’m going to get into the coaching side of things and the management side of things.
“It’s been in the thought process for a while. I would feel I’m ready, but ultimately, I am fully focused on these two games. What happens after that, we’ll see."
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