Derry City boss feels Republic of Ireland interim John O’Shea is a ‘real safe pair of hands’
Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Derry City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins feels Republic of Ireland have got a “safe pair of hands” in interim head coach John O’Shea.
The 118-timed capped former defender will be in charge for Ireland’s friendly double-header next month after the FAI confirmed the temporary appointment yesterday, where he’ll also be assisted by Crystal Palace coach Paddy McCarthy.
While O’Shea served as assistant coach to Stephen Kenny last year, Higgins also worked under the former Republic of Ireland manager as chief scout and opposition analyst before departing to take the Derry hot seat in April 2021.
With around a fortnight until the first squad of 2024 is announced ahead of the visits of Belgium and Switzerland to Lansdowne Road, Higgins feels the national side are in a good place under former the Manchester United defender.
“I wish him all the best and think they’re in a safe pair of hands,” said Higgins, ahead of his side’s Premier Division clash with St Patrick’s Athletic tomorrow night (7.45), as he also revealed the injury his skipper Patrick McEleney suffered at Sligo last weekend is not as serious as they first feared.
“I know John personally, but I wouldn’t say I know him brilliantly well. He’s got unbelievable experience in the game, a real calming influence from talking to him and I know he’s really popular with players.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things. I’ve gotten to know him in the last couple of years but physically, I’ve not been in and around him when he worked on the pitch, he’s worked at Birmingham and so on, but by the time he was in the Ireland set up, I was gone. I’ve heard a lot of positive news about John. I know he’s a calming influence and a
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