O’Shea still in mix for Republic of Ireland job

John O’Shea could yet land the Republic of Ireland manager’s job on a permanent basis.

The Football Association of Ireland’s interim chief executive David Courell confirmed the 43-year-old former Manchester United and Ireland defender, who has been placed in temporary charge for next month’s friendlies against Hungary and Portugal having performed a similar role in March, was in the running to replace Stephen Kenny.

O’Shea appeared to have been ruled out of the race when the FAI director of football Marc Canham revealed in March “existing contractual obligations” were delaying an appointment.

Speaking on RTE’s Morning Ireland yesterday, Courell said of the 118-times-capped international’s prospects: “It is an open process. Every candidate is being considered.

“John has done a fantastic job and we’re looking forward to what he can do in the upcoming fixtures.

“He is an unbelievable ambassador for the game, a fantastic servant for Irish football, so we wish him the best of luck for June and see what transpires in the rest of the recruitment process.”

The hunt for Kenny’s successor has been under way since he was sacked in November with top target Lee Carsley having ruled himself out, while the likes of Gus Poyet, Chris Hughton, Anthony Barry, Neil Lennon, Chris Coleman and Willy Sagnol have been linked with the vacancy.

The FAI had intended to make an appointment by April, but have now vowed to have their chosen candidate in place before Ireland kick off their Nations League campaign against England in September.

Asked about the delay, Courell said: “Well, we’ve been rightly criticised for setting out timelines in recent months. We are committed to ensuring we have someone in the post when we commence our Uefa Nations League competition.”

He added: “First and foremost, up until a matter of weeks ago, I myself was air-gapped from the process, which I think is testament to how professionally it has been run.

“It has been a confidential process, both internally and externally.

“But now that I’m in the camp, I’m fully read in and I’m comfortable with the steps and stages which have taken place and confident we will get the best candidate for moving the Irish national team forward and ensure we deliver success.”

He is an unbelievable ambassador for the game

Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea.