JOHN O’SHEA has defended his decision to hand Shane Duffy an Ireland recall less than three weeks after he was charged with drink-driving.
Duffy was included in a 26-man squad– which features a first senior call-up for Tom Cannon – for the friendly games against Hungary and Portugal.
The Norwich City defender missed out on the March matches against Belgium and Switzerland as he was injured.
But, with Nathan Collins absent this time, Duffy has been drafted in.
That is despite being charged with drink-driving after being found to be nearly three times over the limit following a two-vehicle collision in Norfolk on May 6.
He is due before Norwich Magistrates Court on July 2 and played for the Canaries in both legs of their Championship semi-final loss to Leeds United.
And O’Shea admitted he did not seek FAI approval to select the 32-year-old.
He said: “No, no. I spoke to Shane just to see where he was in terms of the end of the season, stuff that had gone on.
“He was unequivocal in terms of his passion to play for Ireland and be involved. It’s obviously not good but we have to support people as well.
“He’s been a big player for Ireland and it’s important to support people too. He will have that support with Ireland.”
Asked if he was concerned about how his selection would be viewed, O’Shea said: “That’s part and parcel of life, people make mistakes but they have the chance to redeem themselves as well.”
CANNON INCLUSION
O’Shea said he was convinced of Cannon’s commitment to the Ireland cause despite turning down a call-up from Stephen Kenny 12 months ago and from him in March.
The 21-year-old striker endured an injury-interrupted campaign at Championship-winning Leicester City following a move from Everton.
O’Shea said: “Seeing Tom with the Under-21s, I know what a talent he is, what type of striker he is. I spoke to him and his agent as well and said ‘take your time, and when you are ready just get back in touch with me’.
“Thankfully they did. He was with his family when I spoke to him and they were very proud and very happy to be committing to the Republic of Ireland.
“I can only take a person at the conversation we had. He’s looking forward to it and excited to come in. I’m sure it will be the case that he will be committed.”
Leicester team-mate Kasey McAteer has opted to rest – as has Udinese’s Festy Ebosele – following persistent hamstring problems with out-of-contract Alan Browne prioritising following a new club.
O’Shea said: “Kasey had three really bad hamstring injuries, he wants to make sure he is fully recovered to get into the Leicester team in the Premier League.
“I was hoping Alan could sort something beforehand but it wasn’t to be. If there were qualifying games he would have been involved.”