John O'Shea: Jake O'Brien will be very close to being involved in both games
John O’Shea has indicated that newcomer Jake O’Brien will participate in both of Ireland’s friendlies during this window.
A Belgium side ranked fourth in the world awaits at Lansdowne Road on Saturday before another Euro-bound side in the summer, Switzerland, visit next Tuesday.
Cork native O’Brien (22) spoke on Tuesday about his desire to crown a stellar first season in France with Olympique Lyon by earning his senior international debut.
Despite the abundance of options in the central-defensive department, primarily against English Premier League rivals, O’Brien is well placed to feature.
Interim boss John O’Shea, holding the duties until a permanent successor to Stephen Kenny is unveiled in April, worked with the Youghal man at U21 level and clearly rates him in the highest regard.
“Jake really wants to get in the team,” O’Shea said at the squad’s base on Wednesday morning, before allowing the players the afternoon off.
“I tell you what, he’s playing well so far. As I think Jake mentioned himself, the growth he’s had in terms of his footballing knowledge over the last year to 18 months has been fantastic.
“He has settled in well into this group. The level he is playing at is really high but obviously the level of competition we have in that area of the pitch is very good, so just carry on with what he is doing hopefully.
“He’ll be very close to being involved in both games. Defensively, it will be important in both games because it’s top quality opposition. At any level now in international games you have to get the house in order in terms of clean sheets to give you a chance of winning games.”
All 24 of the players, plus guest additional goalkeeper Brian Maher, trained on Tuesday at Abbotstown with no
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