Ireland can shift June gloom with Hungary win - John O'Shea

John O’Shea is confident that Ireland can shift the June gloom and get the required result as his side takes on Hungary at the Aviva tomorrow night.

Ireland have struggled in recent seasons to perform to their potential in the end-of-season June international window, losing games away to Armenia in 2022 and to Greece last summer.

The manager acknowledged that it can be a difficult time for his squad, considering many of them have finished their seasons over a month ago, however, he is confident that the team will be ready to go at kick-off time tomorrow night.

O’Shea is again emphasising the importance of getting results and restoring a winning mentality in the team, who will follow up the Hungary match with an away trip to Portugal next week to end the season.

The FAI have yet to find a replacement for Stephen Kenny, and O’Shea can put himself in the driving seat with solid performances over the course of these two international friendlies.

"It's an awkward one in terms of players in different leagues finishing, whether that be in England or Europe," said O’Shea, speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference.

"It is a little bit tricky. We have plans in place with our fitness coach. When they came in Thursday we had a little session just to see where the players are at.

"That won't be an excuse for us; the team will be more than ready to cause Hungary problems."

O’Shea, of course, was in charge for the two games in March where Ireland impressed in a scoreless home draw with Belgium before losing a tight encounter with Switzerland where Xherdan Shaqiri’s goal proved the difference between the sides.

And the manager believes that there are plenty of positives to take from those performances to offer his side encouragement for