Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has been appointed assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland… with the 41-year-old juggling his new role alongside his coaching at Stoke.
- John O’Shea has been with the Ireland Under 21 team for almost three years
- The former Man United defender will continue at Stoke while training with Ireland
- O’Shea is Ireland’s third most capped player with 118 caps
Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has been appointed assistant manager to Stephen Kenny for the Republic of Ireland.
O’Shea, who was capped 118 times for Ireland, becomes assistant manager for the first team after working with the Under 21 side for almost three years. He recently completed his UEFA Pro license with the FAI in December 2022.
The 41-year-old is set to resume his duties as first-team manager at Stoke City and link up with Ireland in the international break.
O’Shea is Ireland’s third most capped player ever. Speaking about his new role, he said: “I am delighted to be joining the coaching staff of the international team and look forward to working with Stephen and the rest of the backroom team.
“It has always been an honor to play for my country and wear the green shirt, so to join the coaching staff and work with the current group of players and staff is an amazing opportunity for me.
Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has been appointed assistant manager to Stephen Kenny for the Republic of Ireland.
O’Shea enjoyed a successful career at United, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League
“I would like to thank Jim Crawford and the Ireland Under-21 team, who they have worked fantastically with over the last few years, and wish them every success after such a strong qualifying campaign last year.”
O’Shea, who made 394 appearances at Old Trafford, was an integral part of United’s successful side that won a host of trophies, including five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Ireland manager Kenny added: “We are delighted to welcome John to the senior international coaching team.
“John had a brilliant career playing for Ireland from the U15s up to 118 caps for his country. After that, he has committed to a career in coaching, working with both Reading and Stoke City for nearly four years now.
He also combined this with a full campaign with the Ireland U-21 side under Jim Crawford and I watched his progress closely as he made a positive contribution throughout his time with the team.
“John will now make the transition to the coaching staff where he knows the team well and we look forward to John joining our staff for the Latvia and France matches in March.”
O’Shea retired from Reading in 2019 after a long spell at Sunderland following his time at Old Trafford.
O’Shea, who has 118 caps for the Republic of Ireland, will combine his new role with his duties at Stoke City
