'Play when we need to, fight when we need to' - John O'Shea planning to mix it to fix it

John O’Shea is planning to build a side in his own image when it comes to taking charge of national team for the upcoming games with Belgium and Switzerland.

The former Manchester United defender has two games to kick off the new era for Ireland ahead of the appointment of a permananent successor to Stephen Kenny in April, and he is planning to bring a mix of styles to make an immediate impact in the role.

O’Shea does not appear to be in the running for that particular permanent post, however, he may remain involved in some capacity with the FAI. In the meantime, he is fully focused on the task in hand.

Having worked as a coach during Kenny’s tenure, O’Shea has the benefit of already enjoying a relationship with the squad, which will allow him to hit the ground running for the week-long build-up to the first game of the upcoming double-header.

And the new man in charge is planning to make it an enjoyable reunion with his new squad, which should bear a strong resemblance to those selected during the failed Euro 2024 campaign.

O’Shea has yet to talk to the players about the international window, wanting first to get through his maiden media assignment before the real work begins with less than two weeks to compile a squad before his side takes on Belgium on 23 March at the Aviva, followed by another home clash with Switzerland three days later.

"It will be very [much] in terms of my personality, in terms of the camp that it is going to be," said O’Shea, speaking at Monday’s press conference.

"Very relaxed and very enjoyable, but also a drive to win games, and perform, and I know the lads will enjoy the training sessions, and the details that the coaches and analysts will go in for them as well over the ten days. And obviously