Next Ireland Manager: John O'Shea announced as interim manager

John O'Shea has been announced as interim Republic of Ireland manager for the upcoming international break with the search for a permanent manager ongoing.

Stephen Kenny was relieved of his duties when his contract expired, with Ireland's 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand proving to be Kenny’s final game in charge, bringing about an end his three-year stint in the post.

Numerous managers have been linked with the full-time job, but with an international break looming, former Manchester United defender John O'Shea has been announced as interim manager, taking charge of Ireland's next two friendlies.

Below we take a look a look at some of the potential candidates for the permanent gig.

Anthony Barry

Current Bayern Munich and Portugal assistant manager Anthony Barry has moved into favourite to be named the next Republic of Ireland manager.

Barry was previously assistant to then Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and will be leaving Bayern Munich with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.

The Liverpool born former midfielder made almost 300 appearances in the EFL and National League and is highly regarded for his coaching ability.

Alongside his former work with Kenny, he has worked as assistant to Paul Cook, Frank Lampard, Roberto Martinez and Tuchel in his short coaching career.

Lee Carsley

Former Ireland international Carsley has been impressing in the coaching ranks and is currently leading the England Under-21s.

The 49-year-old – who played 40 times for the Republic of Ireland during his 11-year international career – has worked at Coventry, Manchester City, Brentford and Birmingham as a coach before joining the England camp.

Having led the England Under-21s to the European Championship, Carsley was the early favourite and the chance to step up to senior international level could persuade him to move on.

Neil Lennon

Ex-Celtic boss Lennon won five titles with the Bhoys and five domestic cups, while he led Hibs to the Scottish Championship in his time in Edinburgh. 

The 52-year-old has over 10 years of club managerial experience and he wouldn’t be the first ex-Northern Ireland player to become manager of the Republic of Ireland, after Martin O’Neill’s appointment back in 2013.

He is currently out of work and, therefore, available should the FAI choose to make an approach.

A mover in the betting, Lennon's price was cut from 8/1 to 7/4 favourite, he has since drifted but remains among the favourites.

Roy Keane

An illustrious playing career, which includes seven Premier League titles and a Champions League success, has Keane tagged as a legend by many Irish fans.

Although there have been fallouts in the past, including being sent home from the 2002 World Cup having been frustrated with the facilities and preparation for games, Keane has previously returned to the Irish camp.

The former Manchester United star was assistant to Martin O’Neill during his time in charge of the national team, which suggests he would be happy to return again.

Although Keane has a prominent role in the media, he has admitted that he would be interested in a return to management.

Steve Bruce

It’s been a year since Bruce was last in management, after being sacked by West Brom – his 12th managerial club.

He's never managed at international level but his son, Alex, played international football for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

With Bruce currently out of work, it would mean no compensation would be needed to be paid if he was selected for the vacancy and he has already gone on record stating: 'Once the position is free, they [FAI] can give me a call'.

Chris Hughton

The second oldest of the top six contenders in the early next Ireland manager betting odds, Hughton is out of work having being sacked as Ghana boss.

The former Brighton and Newcastle manager has been an assistant with the Republic of Ireland in the past, between 2003 and 2005.

The 64-year-old played 53 times for the Republic and was part of the squad that made the quarter-finals of the World Cup at Italia '90.

Sam Allardyce

Journeyman manager Allardyce has slowed drifted into contention for the vacant Ireland job but is still considered an outsider.

'Big Sam' does boast some international management experience on his CV, winning his one and only game in charge of England, before being ousted in controversial circumstances.

The 69-year-old most recently took charge of Leeds United in the Premier League, but was unable to save the Yorkshire club from relegation, drawing one and losing three of his four games in charge.

Previous Ireland managers

Bill Lacey	1931–1936
Val Harris	1932
Selection Committee	1936–1938
Joe Wickham	1938
Selection Committee	1939–1951
Doug Livingstone	1951–1953
Alex Stevenson	1953–1955
Johnny Carey	1955–1967
Noel Cantwell	1967
Charlie Hurley	1967–1969
Mick Meagan	1969–1971
Liam Tuohy	1971–1973
Johnny Giles	1973–1980
Eoin Hand	1980–1985
Jack Charlton	1986–1996
Mick McCarthy	1996–2002
Brian Kerr	2003–2005
Steve Staunton	2006–2007
Giovanni Trapattoni	2008–2013
Martin O'Neill	2013–2018
Mick McCarthy	2018–2020
Stephen Kenny	2020–2023

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.