The Football Association of Ireland has extended John O’Shea's spell as interim head coach of the men’s national team. O'Shea will take charge of the team for the two June friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.
The FAI had claimed that they had planned to have a permanent boss in place in early April, while O'Shea took charge of the team for the games against Belgium and Switzerland in March. However, the FAI failed to find their man and will now leave the Waterford native in charge until they do.
The coaching and performance teams that were in place for the last two Ireland games will also keep their positions. Paddy McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, and Rene Gilmartin, along with analyst Stephen Rice and athletic performance coach Damien Doyle, have been retained.
One man who will not be returning to the Ireland setup for the June games is former Ireland manager and Technical Advisor Brian Kerr. He will miss the games due to prior commitments.
The Football Association of Ireland has extended John O’Shea's spell as Interim Head Coach of the Men’s National Team 💚
O'Shea will lead the side for the two friendly international matches against Hungary and Portugal in June 🇮🇪— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 26, 2024
Speaking on the subject, O'Shea said, "I'm looking forward to continuing as Interim Head Coach for two great games in June against Hungary and Portugal. Both matches represent great challenges, but I was really happy with what I saw from the players in both matches in March, and we'll be looking to build on some of those positives in June, but also get that win that I thought the group deserved.
"I have been in contact with Marc Canham since the March fixtures, and last week, he asked me about stepping in again, and as I said before, it is always an honour to represent your country. I am delighted to continue as Interim Head Coach for June, and the work will begin straight away. Also, it is great to confirm the coaching and performance teams will remain for the June fixtures, which is great for continuity with the players and staff."
FAI Director of Football Marc Canham has also stated that the process to find a new boss will be concluded ahead of the start of the UEFA Nations League.
“We’re delighted to extend John and his coaching and performance team for the June fixtures," said FAI Director of Football Marc Canham. "As confirmed last week, the process to appoint a new head coach for our senior men's team will be concluded ahead of the start of the UEFA Nations League. I've kept in contact with John since the March fixtures, and we're really thankful to John for extending his spell as interim head coach as well as his coaching and performance staff, Paddy McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, Rene Gilmartin, Damien Doyle, and Stephen Rice."
The Irish team will face Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, June 4, with kick-off at 7:45 PM, before flying to Aveiro to take on Portugal on Tuesday, June 11, with kick-off also at 7:45 PM.
