After the Republic of Ireland's successful Euro 2016, it was expected that we wouldn't see a host of veteran players in the Ireland jersey again. The likes of Shay Given and Robbie Keane would retire from international football, to make way for some of the younger talents.
Another name on that was expected to leave Martin O'Neill's squad was 35-year-old John O'Shea. The Waterford defender was replaced in Martin O'Neill's first team by Blackburn youngster Shane Duffy, and there were suggestions that O'Shea was about to leave the Ireland set-up, despite O'Neill's insistence that he would like to keep O'Shea around:
He's had a good influence with the younger players and over the two years, I couldn't speak more highly of him. I would like him to be with us for the next campaign.
It looks like O'Neill will get his wish, with O'Shea looking likely to stay on to help the Republic qualify for the World Cup in Russia. Whether that means that he will reclaim his first choice position remains to be seen - with Ciaran Clark and Duffy pushing hard. Both of those players are rumoured to be big transfer targets for Premier League clubs.
West Brom are eyeing up both players, and are particular keen on taking Clark from following Villa to the Championship. Duffy meanwhile is also being chased by the likes of Celtic, Swansea, Wolves, and Crystal Palace.
See Also: Shane Duffy's Chances Of Playing Champions League Football This Season Edging Closer
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
