The Football Association of Ireland has appointed former Manchester United player John O’Shea as interim head coach of the Irish men’s national team, the Irish FA announced in a statement. He will manage the men’s national team on an interim basis for the two international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March. John O’Shea, who has 118 caps for Ireland, will join the FAI after serving as assistant coach of Stephen Kenny and assistant to Jim Crawford for the under-21s. O’Shea previously coached Reading, Stoke City and most recently Birmingham City. Ireland’s third most capped player will be supported by Paddy McCarthy as assistant coach throughout March.