O’Brien reveals why Ireland squad are backing O’Shea to become permanent manager

JAKE O’BRIEN has claimed John O’Shea has the backing of the entire Ireland squad to become permanent manager.

So far, O’Shea has presided over a win, a draw and a defeat in his three games as interim boss.

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He faces competition from Willy Sagnol, Gus Poyet, Chris Hughton and Anthony Hudson, whilst his former Ireland teammate Robbie Keane is now available following his departure from Maccabi Tel Aviv.

But O’Brien – who made his debut against Hungary on Tuesday – insisted every player in the camp would be happy to see O’Shea stick around.

The Olympique Lyonnais defender said: “You can ask any one of the lads in there and I don’t think there’s going to be one person who comes out and says they don’t want him to stay.

“He’s been a great coach to be around, to learn from. Not even that but he’s just a great guy to come to, to talk about things.

“I think everyone here wants him to get the job and I think he deserves it.”

Ireland flew out to Portugal yesterday ahead of a friendly against their Euro 2024-bound opponents in Aveiro on Tuesday.