John O’Shea will send the Republic of Ireland into friendly battle with Hungary on Tuesday night with one eye on the future despite not knowing if he will have a part to play in it.
The interim boss, who also took charge of March’s fixtures against Belgium and Switzerland, will be at the helm once again as Ireland prepare for the new Nations League campaign, which gets under way against England in September.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
O’Shea OK?
The Football Association of Ireland has extended John O’Shea’s spell as Interim Head Coach of the Men’s National Team ?
O’Shea will lead the side for the two friendly international matches against Hungary and Portugal in June ??
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) April 26, 2024
When the Football Association of Ireland parted company with Stephen Kenny in November last year, the nation eagerly awaited the appointment of his replacement, with England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley leading a list of big-name potential candidates. Nearly seven months on, the wait is ongoing and 118-times-capped defender O’Shea, who was initially ruled out of the race, has been handed a second audition having edged himself into contention.
Going for goals
New Cannon in the armoury
“I want to show the Ireland fans what I can do & that I’m committed really, I want to be here” ??
Tom Cannon sets his sights on making his senior Ireland debut in the upcoming games ? pic.twitter.com/y7QcxpPLtV
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) June 2, 2024
Brighton teenager Evan Ferguson and Luton striker Chiedozie Ogbene have been at the forefront of recent efforts to make Ireland a more dangerous proposition, but neither is available for the current camp. In their absence, Leicester’s 21-year-old frontman Tom Cannon could be handed a senior debut after helping his club win promotion to the Premier League.
Sliding doors moment for Sammie
Hungry Hungary
