Club form is key as John O'Shea focused on finding the right formula for friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland

John O'Shea believes that club form is key ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming double-header against Belgium and Switzerland.

The interim manager, who will take charge for the March internationals before a permanent head coach is appointed in April, hopes his side can return to winning ways following some disappointing results throughout the failed Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

And while there is a large element of continuity in the 26-man squad that O’Shea named on Thursday, the former Manchester United man has brought three form players into the squad.

Sammie Szmodics is the top scorer in the Championship, netting 21 league goals this season and 27 in all competitions, Finn Azaz has continued his rise following a move from Plymouth to Middlesbrough, while Jake O’Brien has cemented his place in the Lyon first team, playing in the high-level Ligue 1 in France, having only moved from Crystal Palace last summer.

The manager will also look towards other form players, already established in the squad, like Chiedozie Ogbene at Luton, Evan Ferguson at Brighton as well as Mikey Johnston and Adam Idah who have recently joined West Brom and Celtic respectively.

Caoimhin Kelleher is another impressing at club level with Liverpool in regular keeper Alisson’s absence, while fellow goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu continues to hold the number one jersey at Southampton.

Michael Obafemi, Callum O’Dowda and Jamie McGrath have all scored recently, while Dara O’Shea, Nathan Collins and Andrew Omobamidele are playing Premier League football.

"Definitely," said O’Shea, when asked was club form more important than what a player had previously done in an Ireland jersey. "You have to consider what they’ve done beforehand with Ireland too, but it’s