O’Shea named Republic of Ireland assistant manager

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says it was an “absolute priority” to keep former interim boss John O’Shea within the international set-up after naming him as his assistant coach.

Former Manchester United defender O’Shea took charge of the team for four friendly fixtures this year following Stephen Kenny’s departure in November.

Having initially been expected to be in charge only for games against Belgium and Switzerland in March, the prolonged managerial search before Hallgrimsson’s surprise appointment last month saw O’Shea remain in the dug-out for the June double-header with Hungary and Portugal.

“It was an absolute priority for me to bring John into the staff when I joined the association,” said former Iceland and Jamaica boss Hallgrimsson.

“I travelled down to Waterford at the first opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the role. It became clear we’re very much aligned in our ideas and what the future should look like, and it’s fantastic he has agreed to be the assistant head coach.”

Paddy McCarthy will also continue in an assistant’s role, combining the position with his duties at Crystal Palace, while Gudmundur Hreidarsson will join the set-up as a goalkeeping specialist.

O’Shea hopes to bring “some continuity” through a Nations League campaign that will see the Republic of Ireland in a group with England, Greece and Finland.

He said: “Everybody knows the passion and commitment to the Irish national team I have had throughout my playing, and now, coaching career, so it was great when Heimir approached me to be part of his coaching set-up.

“Since I sat down with Heimir and talked about the plans for the team, and what he saw for me in the set-up, I was delighted to accept the role for the next two campaigns and continue my work with the team ahead of two huge fixtures for the group.

“It was important to have some continuity for Heimir with the players and myself and Paddy will be able to provide that and support him in the role.”

Hallgrimsson’s first game in charge will come against England in Dublin on Saturday, 7 September.

After Gareth Southgate’s departure at the conclusion of Euro 2024, England will arrive at the Aviva Stadium under the stewardship of interim manager Lee Carsley, a former Republic of Ireland team-mate of O’Shea.