The Football Association of Ireland has extended John O’Shea's spell as Interim Head Coach of the Men’s National Team, leading the side for the two friendly international matches against Hungary and Portugal in June.
John O’Shea, who won 118 caps for Ireland and is third on the all-time list of appearances, will continue his role as Interim Head Coach for the June international matches following a positive March window against Belgium and Switzerland.
Ireland secured an impressive draw against the FIFA-ranked No.5 side Belgium before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Switzerland as Ireland look to build on that against Hungary and Portugal.
Ireland will face Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, June 4, with kick-off at 7.45pm, before flying to Aveiro to take on Portugal on Tuesday, June 11, with kick-off also at 7.45pm.
O'Shea has also confirmed the continuation of his coaching and performance team, Paddy McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, and Rene Gilmartin as well as analyst Stephen Rice and Athletic Performance coach Damien Doyle.
Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr, who was Technical Advisor to the team in the March international window, will be unable to link up with the team for the matches in June due to prior commitments.
"I'm looking forward to continuing as Interim Head Coach for two great games in June against Hungary and Portugal," said Interim Head Coach John O'Shea.
"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 which 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 so delighted to continue as Interim Head Coach for June and the work will begin straight away. Also, great to confirm the coaching and performance team will remain for the June fixtures which is great for continuity with the players and staff.
"We will be missing Brian for the two matches in June unfortunately due to commitments elsewhere. He was a fantastic influence in the March window, we will miss his input and expertise for the two matches, and I'd like to thank him for his efforts."
“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 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.
"Unfortunately, Brian isn't in a position to be able to join up with the group for the two matches and I'd like to thank him for his input over the last few months and all of his efforts leading up and during the March international window.
"We’re very pleased with what John and the team were able to achieve in the March friendlies and the June fixtures represents another exciting challenge for the team."
“It wasn’t possible for me to rejoin the coaching team this time around on account of commitments - personal and professional - that I’d made some time ago," said Brian Kerr.
"I thoroughly enjoyed working with John and the very professional coaching group last month and I wish them well with these next matches in June. Irish football, it's welfare, remains a great passion for me.”
