Former Ireland international and Manchester United Academy Coach Paul McShane has been appointed assistant coach of the Ireland Under 21s.
McShane returns to the Irish international set-up having played 33 times for his country and will form part of Head Coach Jim Crawford’s backroom team.
With more than 450 professional appearances in England, McShane is now forging a career as a coach and is currently part of the ‘Red Devils’ academy set-up– a role he’s held since 2021 and will continue in addition to his new international position.
McShane’s career saw him compete at the top level of the game, playing in the English Premier League with Sunderland and Hull City and earning a place in the Ireland EURO 2012 squad under Giovanni Trapattoni. He also had the honour of captaining Ireland as they beat Italy 2-0 in Belgium in 2011.
From Wicklow, the former Under-21s international, holds a UEFA A Licence and earlier this year was one of 20 coaches accepted onto the FAI’s UEFA Pro Licence course.
He will join up with the Under-21s players and staff ahead of next week’s double header against Turkey (Friday, September 8) and San Marino (Tuesday, September 12) in Turner’s Cross, Cork.
“I can’t wait to get started with the Under-21s," said McShane.
"I played for Ireland in the youth ranks from the age of 14 before going on to play senior level, so for me it is about passing on the experience I had as a player with the aim to help develop the next generation.
“I’m looking forward to it, I’m still learning as a coach and it has been a whirlwind few years since transitioning from player to coach but this is an unbelievable opportunity to coach with my country.”
Ireland Under-21 Head Coach Jim Crawford added: “I’m excited to have Paul
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