Brian Kerr and Glenn Whelan join interim Ireland boss John O’Shea’s staff

Interim Republic of Ireland manager John O’Shea has appointed former national team boss Brian Kerr and international team-mate Glenn Whelan to his coaching team.

O’Shea, who has been placed in temporary charge for March’s friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland, has asked Kerr, who managed Ireland between 2003 and 2005, to serve as technical director to himself and assistant Paddy McCarthy.

Whelan, who won 91 caps for his country, many of them alongside the former Manchester United defender, has been drafted in as an assistant coach.

O’Shea said: “Brian brings with him a wealth of experience we’ll be able to tap into during the camp, and his passion for Irish football and the Ireland national team is well known and will be a welcome addition to the group.

“Glenn was an unbelievable servant for his country during his distinguished playing career and we’ll be delighted to welcome him back into the international fold as a coach having recently spent time with the under-16s during the Victory Shield.”

Goalkeeping coach Rene Gilmartin and analyst Martin Doyle will step up from the under-21 ranks, while athletic performance coach Damien Doyle and analyst Stephen Rice continue their roles in the senior set-up.