John O'Shea missed call from Alex Ferguson after Ireland appointment

John O'Shea has said he missed a call from his former manager Alex Ferguson after he was named interim Republic of Ireland head coach.

O'Shea said the former Manchester United boss keeps in touch with him, especially whenever he starts a new role.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, O'Shea said: “I had a missed call from a No-caller ID on Thursday evening and the only one who still calls me on No Caller ID is Sir Alex... anytime I've gone into a club or got involved with something, he's always got in touch."

"I still would be in contact with him now and again," he added.

“I know he's in good form and jet-setting around the world winning trophies still – but within the thoroughbred industry.”

O'Shea, 42, won five Premier League titles playing under Ferguson. He also won the Champions League and an FA Cup during over a decade at Old Trafford.

O'Shea has been named interim Ireland boss for friendlies against Switzerland and Belgium later in March, with the FAI looking to appoint Stephen Kenny's permanent successor in April.

He has previously been an assistant coach at Reading, Stoke City and Birmingham City, along with coaching roles with the Ireland Under-21s and senior team.

Speaking at the press conference, O'Shea said he feels he would be ready to be named Ireland manager on a permanent basis. However, he insisted he was only focused on the two games at the end of the month.