Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea is appointed Republic of Ireland assistant coach

Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has been appointed as an assistant coach to Stephen Kenny for the Republic of Ireland.

O’Shea, who made 118 caps for Ireland, becomes an assistant coach for the first team after working with the Under 21 side for almost three years. He recently completed his UEFA Pro Licence with the FAI in December 2022.

The 41-year-old is set to continue his duties as a first team coach at Stoke City and link up with Ireland during the international breaks.

O’Shea is the third highest capped Ireland player ever. Speaking about his new role, he said: ‘I’m delighted to join the senior international team coaching staff and look forward to working with Stephen and the rest of the backroom team.

‘It was always an honour to play for my country and put on the green shirt so to join the coaching staff and work with the current group of players and staff is an amazing opportunity for me.

Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has been appointed as an assistant coach to Stephen Kenny for the Republic of Ireland

O’Shea enjoyed a succesful playing career at United, winning five Premier Leagues and a Champions League

‘I’d like to thank Jim Crawford and the Ireland Under-21 backroom team, who’ve been fantastic to work with over the last few years, and wish them every success after such a strong qualification campaign last year.’

O’Shea, who made 394 appearances at Old Trafford, was an integral part of the successful United squad which won a number of trophies including five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. 

Ireland manager Kenny added: ‘We’re delighted to welcome John to the senior international coaching team.

‘John had a brilliant career playing for Ireland right through from U15 to earning 118 caps for his country. Following that, he has committed himself to a career in coaching, working with both Reading and Stoke City for almost four years now.

‘He has also combined that with a full campaign with the Ireland U-21s team under Jim Crawford and I have watched his progress closely as he made a positive contribution throughout his time with the team. 

‘John will now make the transition into the senior coaching team where he knows the team well and we look forward to John joining our staff for the Latvia and France matches in March.’

O’Shea retired from playing at Reading in 2019 after a long stint at Sunderland following his time at Old Trafford. 

O’Shea, who made 118 caps for the Republic of Ireland, will combine his new role with his Stoke City duties