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O'Shea refutes Duff's remarks about FAI 'hanging him out to dry'

Interim head coach John O'Shea during a Republic of Ireland squad announcement at Sky Ireland in Dublin. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Interim Ireland boss John O'Shea has quashed claims that he has been hung out to dry by the FAI as they search for a new full-time boss.

The FAI have been looking for a new manager since sacking Stephen Kenny in November. Since then, there has been constant speculation about who it might be.

The role is now being held by John O'Shea for the games against Hungary and Portugal this international window. The Waterford native also held the temporary post in March, as the FAI failed to bring in a new boss.

Damien Duff, O'Shea's former teammate with Ireland, claimed this week that O'Shea was being “left out to dry” by the FAI.

When asked about Duff's comments, O'Shea disagreed with the Shelbourne boss's remarks this week.

“Damien is entitled to his opinion. I haven't seen the full... as I’m sure when you see the full quotes and the full story, etc., but no, I don’t feel that’s the case,” said O’Shea.

O'Shea will hold the role for now, but there is a reality where he could become the Ireland boss full-time, depending on the different circumstances to come. When asked if he'd consider it full-time if given the choice, the Waterford man played his cards close to his chest and gave nothing away.

“The guarantee I have been given is that I’m in charge for the Hungary and Portugal games. That is what I’m fully focused on,” added O’Shea.

“Me and the staff are fully focused on it now for the next two weeks to hopefully get a few wins in the games. Good results will always strengthen your hand for anything. Football is a results business. Hopefully, that's the case, but let's just wait and see."

On the team aspect, O'Shea has called up Tom Cannon for the games against Hungary and Portugal this coming week.

Damian Duff says Republic of Ireland Interim Manager John O’Shea has been left out to dry by the FAI. Hear his response to what he needs to do to secure the job full time #soccer #football #ireland pic.twitter.com/eyjD5n0nJV

— Will Dalton (@WillDalton01) May 28, 2024

Cannon had previously been in the U-21 setup and was called up by Stephen Kenny to feature in the senior squad but took time away to consider his international allegiances. Cannon was born in England but qualifies for Ireland through his relatives.

O'Shea explained the reasons for Cannon's recall to the senior Ireland squad and explained that he's looking forward to working with the 21-year-old.

“I spoke to Tom a couple of times. I tried to get him in for the March window, if possible. Seeing Tom with the U-21s, I know what a talent he is and what type of striker he is,” said O’Shea.

“I spoke to him and his agent and said, 'Take your time, and when you are ready, just get back in touch with me.' Thankfully, they did and we were able to have another conversation. He was with his family when I spoke to him, and they were very proud and very happy to be committing to Ireland.

“I can only take a person at the conversation we had. He’s looking forward to it and excited to come in for these two games. Let’s wait and see; I’m sure it will be the case that he will be committed.”

Ireland play Hungary on Tuesday.

Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City), David Harrington (Fleetwood Town)

Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Jake O'Brien (Lyon), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), and Enda Stevens (Stoke City).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), and Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Celtic).

Forwards: Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers), Adam Idah (Celtic, on loan from Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Tom Cannon (Leicester City).