Brian Kerr and Glenn Whelan join John O’Shea’s Ireland backroom team

The 70-year-old will return to the Republic of Ireland national team set-up after 19 years away.

Brian Kerr and Glenn Whelan have joined John O’Shea’s coaching staff ahead of the March international friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland. 

Kerr has returned to the national team set-up as a technical advisor after leaving his post with the FAI 19 years ago. 

Between 2003-2005, Kerr took charge of 33 international matches, and beforehand had huge success as an underage coach with the Irish youth teams. 

The former Republic of Ireland manager has become one of Virgin Media’s most prominent pundits and in the past has been critical of the FAI, and the previous manager Stephen Kenny. 

On the appointment of Kerr, interim boss John O’Shea said, "Brian brings with him a wealth of experience we'll be able tap into during the camp and his passion for Irish football and the Ireland national team is well known and will be a welcome addition to the group”. 

Whelan also has joined O’Shea’s backroom staff alongside Crystal Palace coach Paddy McCarthy. 

While current Ipswich Town and Ireland Under-21s goalkeeping coach Rene Gilmartin will also support the senior team.

Gilmartin is joined by analyst Martin Doyle will also step up from the Under-21s set-up to support the team.

Athletic performance coach Damien Doyle and analyst Stephen Rice will continue to support the squad for the two friendlies.

"We're delighted to confirm the coaching and support performance team for the March internationals," said O'Shea.

"Glenn was an unbelievable servant for his country during his distinguished playing career and we'll be delighted to welcome him back into the international fold as a coach, having recently spent time with the Ireland U16s during the Victory Shield.

"Rene Gilmartin steps up from the Ireland U21s set-up where he has worked since 2019 and so crucially, already has a great relationship with our current goalkeeper group."

Earlier in the week, extratime.com looked back at how previous Irish interim managers got on in the past. 

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— extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) February 29, 2024