John O'Shea has been promoted to the senior Ireland coaching staff ahead of next month’s Euro 2024 qualification opener against France.
The former Manchester United defender had been working with the Under-21s since April 2020.
He will take up the assistant coach role in time for the Latvia friendly on March 22 and the France visit five days later.
O’Shea, capped 118 times for the Boys in Green, will continue to work as a first-team coach at Stoke City.
Ireland boss Stephen Kenny said: “We're delighted to welcome John to the senior international coaching team.
“John had a brilliant career playing for Ireland right through from U15 to earning 118 caps for his country.
“Following that, he has committed himself to a career in coaching, working with both Reading and Stoke City for almost four years now.
“He has also combined that with a full campaign with the Ireland Under-21 team under Jim Crawford and I have watched his progress closely as he made a positive contribution throughout his time with the team.
“John will now make the transition into the senior coaching team where he knows the team well and we look forward to John joining our staff for the Latvia and France matches in March.”
O’Shea becomes the latest coach to join Kenny’s staff. He replaces John Eustace, who came in last year for Anthony Barry. Damien Duff also briefly held the role.
The Red Devils legend said: “I'm delighted to join the Ireland senior international team coaching staff and looking forward to working with Stephen and the rest of the backroom team when the campaign begins in March.
“It was always an honour to play for my country and put on the green shirt so to join the coaching staff and work with the current group of players and staff is an amazing opportunity for me.
“I'd like to thank Jim Crawford and the Ireland U-21 backroom team who've been fantastic to work with over the last few years and wish them every success after such a strong qualification campaign last year.
“We've got a really exciting group of players, a good mix of youth and experience, and some fantastic fixtures to look forward to this year so I can't wait for it to begin and to get to work with the squad and staff.”
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