John O'Shea's interim term as Ireland manager ended last Tuesday - and while it's still unclear if he'll be made permanent boss - he's found himself embroiled in his first row with a club coach.
It concerns Ryan Manning, who was not named in O'Shea's original Ireland squad after experiencing a broken nose but was called into on the eve of Ireland's friendly with Belgium.
Manning didn't play a minute of action and Southampton manager Russell Martin wasn't happy about it.
Southampton Manager Unhappy With John O'Shea Not Playing Ryan Manning
In a press conference, Martin voiced his displeasure at Manning's call-up and subsequent non-involvement in Ireland's international window.
“He had an operation because he broke his nose against Birmingham. The plan was to keep him here to let it settle and keep him fit.
“Then we were informed that they really wanted him to go and play, but he didn’t play a minute. It’s not ideal for Ryan or us, but it’s their prerogative.
“The best for him would have been to train here and recover. If he would have played and got another cap it would have been brilliant for him.”
He was speaking before Southampton's Good Friday game against Boro. Manning had picked up the injury in the Southampton's 4-3 win away at Birmingham City and had to be taken off late in the contest. He went on to play the full 90 minutes a week later against Sunderland but with the international window approaching it would give Manning a chance to rest.
However, since being called up to John O'Shea's Ireland squad and since coming back to Southampton, Manning hasn't played a part in either the Saints' game against Middlesbrough on Good Friday or the 3-2 defeat to league leaders Ipswich yesterday. He was an unused sub in both.
Southampton took one point from the two matches and find themselves rooted in fourth place in the Championship.
Martin will be hoping the Galway man will play a huge role in their final stages of their promotion push.
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