Man Utd legend lands manager job ahead of linked ex Chelsea coach

Manchester United legend John O'Shea has been named interim Republic of Ireland manager for upcoming international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland. Former Chelsea coach Anthony Barry had been hotly linked with the role.

O'Shea, who most recently worked as a first-team coach at Birmingham City with former Red Devils colleague Wayne Rooney, has worked as an assistant with the national side in the past under Stephen Kenny. The FAI has confirmed that the role will be filled permanently in April.

England under-21 boss Lee Carsley had been the frontrunner to land the position with ex Chelsea coach Anthony Barry coming in hot on his heels in second. After O'Shea was appointed in temporary charge, the former defender is now the lead candidate to get the job permanently too.

Barry currently works with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich but previously spent three years at Stamford Bridge working as a coach. The 37-year-old has also worked in the coaching set-up for the Republic of Ireland between 2021 and 2022.

Barry joined Chelsea to work with Frank Lampard in 2020 and stayed after the manager left to form part of Thomas Tuchel's team. He made a name for himself at Stamford Bridge and was courted by Fleetwood Town and QPR around that time.

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Speaking about Barry's influence, Tuchel said: "He’s a big character, very friendly. He has a great quality analysing games and giving his opinion. I feel he's very comfortable on the pitch when handling exercises and he’s a specialist with set-pieces so he does the video session and the training.”

Barry remains a name linked with the Republic of Ireland job - Steve Bruce, Roy Keane and Gus Poyet are all less likely contenders. Speaking about the O'Shea appointment, FAI director of football Marc Canham said: "We're delighted to announce John and Paddy as interim head coach and assistant coach for the March fixtures.

"John has developed a strong level of excellent coaching experience across both domestic and international football and has recently been involved at both U-21 and senior level with Ireland alongside his considerable achievements as an international player and in his club career.

"We are also pleased to confirm that the process for the appointment of a new men's head coach is near completion and we are looking forward to announce that appointment in April. For now, the focus is on the upcoming matches against Belgium and Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium and supporting John and his team as they prepare for the games."