John O’Shea has agreed to return as interim Ireland manager for the June friendlies with Hungary and Portugal.
The former international was in charge for the matches against Belgium and Switzerland in March. The FAI announced a new permanent manager would be in place before rowing back last week.
O'Shea has also confirmed the continuation of his coaching and performance team; Paddy McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, and Rene Gilmartin as well as analyst Stephen Rice and Athletic Performance coach Damien Doyle.
However, Brian Kerr, who was Technical Advisor to the team in the March international window, will be not be retuning. Kerr is unable to link up with the team for the matches in June due to prior commitments.
"I'm looking forward to continuing as Interim Head Coach for two great games in June against Hungary and Portugal," said O'Shea.
"Both matches represent great challenges but I was really happy with what I saw from the players in both matches in March and we'll be looking to build on some of those positives in June, but also, get that win which I thought the group deserved”.
"I have been in contact with Marc Canham since the March fixtures and last week” explained O’Shea.
“He asked me about stepping in again and as I said before, it is always an honour to represent your country so delighted to continue as Interim Head Coach for June and the work will begin straight away”.
“Also, great to confirm the coaching and performance team will remain for the June fixtures which is great for continuity with the players and staff”.
Brian Kerr not returning
"We will be missing Brian for the two matches in June unfortunately due to commitments elsewhere” O’Shea explained. “He was a fantastic influence in the March window, we will miss his input and expertise for the two matches, and I'd like to thank him for his efforts."
“We’re delighted to extend John and his coaching and performance team for the June fixtures," said FAI Director of Football Marc Canham.
"As confirmed last week, the process to appoint a new Head Coach for our senior men's team will be concluded ahead of start of the UEFA Nations League”.
“I've kept in contact with John since the March fixtures and we're really thankful to John for extending his spell as Interim Head Coach; as well as his coaching and performance staff Paddy McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, Rene Gilmartin, Damien Doyle and Stephen Rice”.
"Unfortunately, Brian isn't in a position to be able to join up with the group for the two matches and I'd like to thank him for his input over the last few months and all of his efforts leading up and during the March international window.
"We’re very pleased with what John and the team were able to achieve in the March friendlies and the June fixtures represents another exciting challenge for the team."
Kerr unavailable due to other commitments
“It wasn’t possible for me to rejoin the coaching team this time around on account of commitments; personal and professional; that I’d made some time ago," said Brian Kerr.
"I thoroughly enjoyed working with John and the very professional coaching group last month and I wish them well with these next matches in June. Irish football, its welfare, remains a great passion for me.”
Ireland will face Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, June 4, with kick-off at 7:45pm. Then fly to Aveiro to take on Portugal on Tuesday, June 11, with kick-off also at 7;45pm.
