- Ex-Republic star joins backroom team
- Michael O’Neill hails his high standards
- Boss says 41-year-old is keen to learn as a coach
Stoke City are delighted to confirm the appointment of John O’Shea to the first-team coaching staff.
The 41-year-old had a two-year spell in a similar position with Reading and is also assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 team.
Manager Michael O’Neill said: “John is at the start of his coaching career. He had a spell at Reading after his career as a player drew to a close and is involved at international level.
“I think he will bring a great deal to us. In coaching you bring your standards as a player and I think everyone knows that John O’Shea had extremely high standards as a player.
“He had a fantastic playing career but he’s very keen to learn as a coach as well and he has settled in extremely well.
“I think he brings the right mix of not only his expertise but also his personality and he’s a good person to have around, particularly around young players.”
O’Shea enjoyed a stellar playing career, spending more than a decade with Manchester United before also serving Sunderland and Reading. He also won 118 caps for the Republic of Ireland over a 17-year spell.