DARA O’SHEA reckons it would be ‘difficult’ for anyone but John O’Shea to manage Ireland against England.
The Waterford man has been in caretaker charge of the team for the past four games and is waiting to hear if he will land the job on a permanent basis.
And the Burnley defender believes that gives him an advantage over an alternative candidate for the Nations League opener.
Dara O’Shea said: “There’s been a lot of work put in by John and the staff so to go into the Nations League with a new manager is going to be difficult for the group, having to learn a lot of new ideas so quickly.
“But as football players we know these things happen and we know we’ve got to deal with whatever is put on our plate.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing under him.
“I thought the atmosphere around the camp was brilliant. Lads are enjoying their football.
“The wealth of knowledge he and his coaching staff have of international football is unbelievable so it’s great for us younger players.”
Against tough opposition, the ex-Manchester Unitedstar oversaw one win from four, with Ireland well beaten by Portugal on Tuesday.
His namesake admitted the seven-month long search for a manager was not ideal but said: “We can’t blame results on that ourselves.
“But it’s not the easiest as a group, not knowing which way the group is going forward.
“We don’t make the decisions. They come from above us and once we know we can just crack on and go ahead.”
The elder O’Shea — who believes he has shown his ability to do the job — is hoping for clarity soon.
He said: “For everyone, it is important everyone knows what is happening as soon as possible.
“It is about getting everything in place — ‘OK, this structure is in place, we are happy with that and then we move forward’. Simple as that.”
He suggested he would hold on for an answer from the FAI even if it meant missing out on club jobs in the meantime and will take in several games at Euro 2024.
The 43-year-old reiterated his belief Ireland could compete at that level but warned his players that success does not come easily.
He said: “I would always feel that Ireland should beat Hungary but Hungary are going to the Euros, Ireland are not.
“We have to have the mentality of beating these teams, always.
“But you need more players playing in the Premier League, getting into Europe and in the latter stages of competition.
“Also it comes down to the dedication you’ve got to show to play for your country.
“Because of player recruitment all over the word, if you’re not sacrificing, you won’t be in the Premier League.”