O’Shea confident over Cannon’s commitment after call-up

Republic of Ireland interim manager John O’Shea is confident that Tom Cannon’s senior international future lies with Ireland, this after the Leicester City striker was named in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.

After being capped at Under-21 level for Ireland last year, Aintree-born Cannon declined an invitation to join up with Stephen Kenny’s senior squad, prompting speculation that he saw his future with England.

However, following talks with Cannon’s agent and his family, O’Shea is happy that the 21-year-old, who scored three goals in Leicester’s successful promotion back to Premier League, is committed to wearing the green jersey.

Addressing the media after naming his squad for the two June friendlies, O’Shea said: “I spoke to Tom a couple of times. I tried to get him in for the March window if possible.

“Seeing Tom with the Under-21s, I know what a talent he is, what type of striker he is. I spoke to him and his agent as well and said, ‘take your time, and when you are ready just get back in touch with me’.

“Thankfully they did and we were able to have another conversation.

“He was with his family when I spoke to him and they were very proud and very happy to be committing to the Republic of Ireland.

“I can only take a person at the conversation we had. He’s looking forward to it and excited to come in for these two games.

“Let’s wait and see, I’m sure it will be the case that he will be committed.”

After being in charge for the two friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March, O’Shea is back for a second stint as interim coach. He is one of several names now linked with the role on a permanent basis.

Last week, in an interview with RTÉ Sport, FAI interim CEO David Courell gave an indication that O’Shea, who was capped 118 times for his country, remains in the mix for when a full-time coach is announced.

“It’s an open process,” Courell said.

“Every candidate is being considered and John has done a fantastic job for us and we’re looking forward to what he can do through the upcoming fixtures. He’s an unbelievable ambassador for the game and a fantastic servant for Irish football, so I wish him the best of luck for June and we’ll see what transpires in the rest of the recruitment process.”

O’Shea on not being hung out to dry as interim boss and getting Tom Cannon on board

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And while O’Shea would have much support in this country if he were given the job on a permanent basis, he insisted that his focus for now is on the games with Hungary and Portugal.

Replying to a question from RTÉ Sport’s Tony O’Donoghue on whether he’s been given any guarantee that he’s still in contention, O’Shea stated: “The guarantee I have been given is that I’m in charge for the Hungary and Portugal games. That is what I’m fully focused on.

“Me and the staff are fully focused on it now for the next two weeks to hopefully get a few wins in the games.

“First and foremost we will focus on Hungary which will be a tough test, but one we’re hoping we can get a good result from at the Aviva.

“Good results will always strengthen your hand for anything. Football is a results business. Hopefully that’s the case, but let’s just wait and see.”

“I know who myself and the staff approached the last two games and it will be similar again this time around of what we want to focus on.

“We have a lot of respect for the opposition but it’s about focusing on ourselves too and how we can affect games as best we can to get the result.

“Then whatever happens after that happens after that.”

Watch Republic of Ireland v Sweden in Euro 2025 qualifying on Friday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on an extended Game On with 2fm

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