O'Shea has taken temporary charge of the Ireland team until the FAI hires someone full-time for the role. However, the calls for O'Shea to take the role on a permanent basis are growing after Tuesday's 2-1 win over Hungary in Dublin.
A number of players have positively endorsed the Waterford native as the man to take the mantle of the next Ireland boss.
Smallbone, one of the stars from Tuesday's win, is the latest name to praise the former Ireland captain. The pair worked together at Stoke City and also with the Ireland U-21s.
"I can't thank John enough for everything he's done for me throughout my short career so far, and hopefully for a long time to come. I'm really happy for him to get the win. He set us up really well, and you can see his qualities as a manager coming to fruition now. We looked solid. They scored from a set play, and Caomhín (Kelleher) made a few good saves, but we were good value for the win.
"He's got a big job in terms of focusing on the team, but he's always drip-feeding me bits of information that I've taken on," he added. "It's been very key to me having a good season and carrying it into this camp.
"I've loved working with John from the 21s to Stoke and now Ireland's first team, and it's gone full circle and carried on for maybe longer than I thought it would have. But I'm really enjoying working with him; he's brought a very positive outlook on things to the camp."
John O'Shea, Interim Manager of Republic of Ireland, gives the team instructions during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at Aviva Stadium on June 4, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) )Smallbone came into the game on the back of helping his club, Southampton, reach the Premier League. They beat Leeds in the Championship play-off final to ensure they would be playing top-flight football next year.
The 24-year-old has since gone on to be awarded man of the match in Ireland's recent game. The midfielder grabbed an assist for Adam Idah for the opening goal as well.
The Ireland player admitted he was happy to receive the award but also claimed that there could have been improvements.
"It's been a very good last few months, obviously winning at Wembley last month and then coming in here and winning and getting the man of the match. I've probably played better and lost. It probably wasn't our best performance, but it was important to get a win. So it's a great feeling, and to get man of the match, yeah, it's very special for me personally.
"It's a very proud moment for myself, and long may it continue. I've played over 50 games this season, and it's always tough to keep going, but when you get the call, especially from John, I feel like I owe him a lot to come in and try to help him put in a performance."
Ireland plays Portugal on Tuesday.
See More: Football, Ireland, Will Smalbone
