O'Shea resigned to Keane fate

John O’Shea is preparing to lead the Republic of Ireland into battle against Ceasre Prandelli’s Italy at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening. Unusually for the stand in captain though, much of the chatter was about the assistant manager. The fact that assistant manager is the most recognisable face in the camp probably makes it less of a surprise though.

O’Shea seems resigned to the fact that he will possibly lead Ireland for the final time with Roy Keane involved in the setup, for the time being, on Saturday as Celtic circle ever closer.

“We are obviously well used to the speculation recently but if it is one of those things that does happen they would be one of the clubs that would entice him away from his current job. It’s something he is really going to enjoy and relish the challenge of managing a fantastic club like Celtic but let’s wait and see if it does happen. “

The former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder was sometimes maligned in his early coaching career as not having a good relationship with his players. By O’Shea’s comments though, it seems the Corkman has mellowed under the stewardship of Martin O’Neill.

“As the manager said we will be very disappointed because we know what a fantastic character he is to have fighting for us on our side going into matches. The experiences he has given to not only myself but some of the younger players in the squad, the central midfielders but to everyone really have been good. It will be disappointing but as I said it is one of the only clubs in the world he would leave to take the job at. “

Sir Alex Ferguson was Scotland assistant boss in the lead up to the 1986 World Cup under the legendary Jock Stein. At the time he was also manager of Aberdeen during their most successful spell. There remains the possibility Keane could assume the same role as his former boss, something O’Shea sees no problem with.

“I am sure that is for someone else other than me to talk about but I personally don’t see why not. I’m sure Celtic and the FAI see it differently but things have been done like that in the past so why not again in the future.”

Although losing Keane would come as a massive blow to the Sunderland defender, he has full faith in the ability of Martin O’Neill to find a replacement, if needs be, before the first Euro qualifier against Georgia.

“The manager we have is very important and very talented, we will have time for the manager to adjust his backroom team accordingly if it does happen for the forthcoming qualification campaign. He has brought in Steve Walford and Steve Guppy this week so as I said its fortunate we have the time before the qualifiers to sort it out. “

Timing could definitely have been better for all these rumours of talks to swirl but O’Shea says that the players are focused on getting a positive result against Italy.

“It’s one of those things, we cannot ask for everything to be perfect timing. If it does happen, well and good but if it doesn’t we have to move on, we’ve prepared all week for a game against Italy, it will be a fantastic test and they will have 11 players fighting for a world cup starting place so we know exactly what players we will be facing regardless of outside speculation during the week.“

In last Saturday’s pre match press conference (Before the Turkey game), O’Neill hinted at some contact and that he would not stand in Roy’s way. O’Shea flanked the Derry native at that briefing and once again stated his resignation to the climax of this story.

“It looks likely now. At the start of the week the rumours started to become louder and it snowballed into him having talks with Celtic so I would be very surprised if it doesn’t get over the line now. “

This game marks almost 20 years since the defeat of Italy at the 1994 World Cup and O’Shea have fond memories of that game. He also appears to want to find some heart from that game for tomorrow’s tough test.

“I remember it very well, a fantastic goal from Ray (Houghton). If we could get the same result it would be very good but we are under no illusions that this Italy side will be a very tough test”

Finally, former Manchester United utility man O’Shea gave a hint to the Parkhead faithful, what kind of manager they will be receiving with Keane.

“You’re bringing in a very hungry, determined manager who will be relishing the challenge that he is going to face. “