The return of Brian Kerr to the Ireland international fold was a welcome surprise for fans.
Almost 20 years since his time as manager of the national team came to an abrupt end, Kerr is back as a Technical Advisor on John O'Shea's coaching ticket for the friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.
O'Shea is in place merely as an interim head coach while the search for a permanent replacement for Stephen Kenny drags on - whether Kerr will continue in his role past this window remains unclear.
His return has proven to be an immensely popular one, however, with the veteran coach well-loved by Irish football fans. There is a sense of redemption as well, given the manner in which Kerr's stint as head coach came to an end in the mid-2000s.
It appears as though Kerr is already a popular figure among the current playing squad as well. Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's clash with Belgium at the Aviva Stadium, centre-back Nathan Collins shared the story of his family connection to Kerr - joking that he was the last person in his family to have met the Irish coach.
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Nathan Collins opens up on family connection to Brian Kerr
Collins said:
Me personally, no [he hadn't met Kerr before the camp] - but I think every other member of my family probably has!
He's really funny, a good lad. He's been telling me stories about my granddad!
He's mad...I'm really enjoying him.
"He's really funny, a good lad. He's been telling me stories about me grandad, he's mad. I'm really enjoying him."
Nathan Collins on how he's felt working with Brian Kerr. 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/KFV3f2VPRb— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 21, 2024
Brentford centre-back Collins went on to explain the impact Kerr has had on the group since they arrived at this week's training camp.
He said that he was determined to drink in as much knowledge as he possibly could from Kerr's wealth of experience.
For me, I'm just a sponge, I'm soaking in everything he says. He's full of information, full of experience. Everything he says, I'm just glued into what he's talking about.
Something like that, gaining as much information as possible...it's a good week for us, I think, we've good staff here. Brian and the other boys who are still coming in - it's exciting for me.
When facing the media for the first time as Ireland interim manager, John O'Shea confirmed that the suggestion to bring Kerr into the setup was made by FAI Director of Football Marc Canham initially, suggesting the potential that Kerr could stay in his role past this international window.
18 March 2024; Technical advisor Brian Kerr during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
It's clear from the reception he has earned from players and fans alike that Brian Kerr would be a great asset for the next Ireland head coach - whoever that may be.
The speculation over the next head coach has continued in recent days, with little clarity as to who will step into the role after the home games in the coming days. Marc Canham has said that an announcement will come in early April, though several leading candidates have been ruled out over the past few weeks - including long-time favourite Lee Carsley.
Ireland face Belgium at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, with kick-off at 5pm.
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