Former Manchester United defender John O'Shea was named interim manager of the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.
O'Shea, who made 118 appearances for Ireland during a 17-year playing career, will take charge of friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March. Crystal Palace assistant boss Paddy McCarthy will support O'Shea during the international window.
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“It will be an incredible honor to lead the team in the March international window,” O'Shea said in a statement on the Irish FA website.
“As you will all know, I have always had immense pride in representing my country, whether during my playing career or, very recently, as part of the coaching staff of the senior men's and under-21 teams.
“I have a lot of faith that this group of players will win football games and I hope to get positive results.”
The 42-year-old was assistant coach to former Ireland coach Stephen Kenny and previously also worked as assistant coach of the Irish under-21 team.
His last job was at Birmingham City, where he was part of Wayne Rooney's backroom staff. He left the club in January following Rooney's sacking.
O'Shea made 256 appearances for United in his 12 years at the club and won 14 trophies before leaving in 2011. After subsequent spells at Sunderland and Reading, he retired from playing in 2019.
The Irish Football Association said it would announce a permanent head coach in April.
