John O'Shea has been appointed as Ireland interim head coach, while the process to appoint a permanent successor to Stephen Kenny is "near completion," according to the FAI.
O'Shea will take charge of the friendlies at the Aviva Stadium against Belgium on March 23rd and Switzerland on March 26th.
The Ireland centurion will be assisted by Paddy McCarthy, who stepped in as Crystal Palace manager for their 1-1 draw against Everton, after Roy Hodgson's departure last week.
As well as that, FAI Director of Football Marc Canham has stated that Kenny's permanent successor will be named in April.
FAI Director of Football Marc Canham has also confirmed that a permanent appointment will be made in April ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/6t8Sxw8Tze
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 28, 2024
Marc Canham confirms permanent Ireland appointment in April
"We are also pleased to confirm that the process for the appointment of a new Men’s Head Coach is near completion and we are looking forward to announce that appointment in April," said Canham.
"For now, the focus is on the upcoming matches against Belgium and Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium and supporting John and his team as they prepare for the games.”
O'Shea was Ireland assistant manager in the latter days of the Kenny era, and has also held coaching roles with the Ireland under-21s, Stoke City and Birmingham City.
"I'm delighted to return to the senior men's coaching staff as Interim Head Coach for the two international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland," said the Waterford man.
"It will be an incredible honour to lead the side into the March international window. As everyone will know, I've always had immense pride representing my country, whether that be during my playing career or very recently, as part of the coaching staff for the men's senior team and the Under-21s."
FAI appoint John O’Shea as Interim Head Coach of the Men’s National Team 🇮🇪
O'Shea, who has 118 caps for Ireland, will take charge of the two international friendlies in March against Belgium and Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium, assisted by Paddy McCarthy 💚— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 28, 2024
FAI to make last push for Lee Carsley
Canham has previously suggested that a permanent appointment is imminent but the fact that he has put a date on it could suggest that the FAI have got their man, or are at least confident of getting a deal over the line.
The latest reports on Wednesday state that their number one target Lee Carsley is back in the frame, with the FAI set to make one final push for the England under-21 manager, after their Euro qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg next month.
Former Swansea City manager has emerged as a candidate this week, according to a report in The42.ie. Clement has been an assistant to multiple Champions League-winning manager Carlo Ancelotti at a number of clubs, including Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich.
It would see that hiring O'Shea is an attempt at buying time, with most fans reluctant to see the FAI rush into a permanent appointment.
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