Martin O’Neill says he wants John O’Shea to continue his international career, but wouldn't be drawn on Robbie Keane’s Ireland future other than to say an announcement will be made shortly by the striker.
While speculation continues that Ireland’s record goalscorer Keane will call time on an international career that has spanned 18 years and 67 goals, it us unknown if 35-year-old O’Shea will commit to the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Yesterday, goalkeeper Shay Given announced his retirement to concentrate on his club career with Stoke City.
Sunderland defender O'Shea started the 1-1 draw with Sweden and 3-0 defeat to Belgium and appeared as a second half substitute in the 2-1 defeat to France at Euro 2016, but is thought to be considering an international career that has seen the Waterford native amass 113 caps.
Speaking at the FAI Cup third round draw today, the Republic of Ireland manager says he wants the former Manchester United player to remain within the squad.
“I spoke to John O'Shea and I encouraged him that if he had any thoughts about retiring, I would like him to stay around,” he said.
"I'm not guaranteeing anything, but he, like Shay Given, was fantastic.
When asked on the future of LA Galaxy striker Keane, the Ireland boss told reporters that he expects the decorated forward to make an announcement on his future soon.
"They [experienced players] are not there to be good around the squad...It's for their ability. I would like them to stay," O'Neill added.
O'Shea meanwhile is convinced Sunderland have made the right appointment by bringing in David Moyes to replace Sam Allardyce.
The Scot has had little time to implement major changes but O'Shea is impressed by the former Everton and Manchester United boss.
"The new manager has a fantastic pedigree and I saw a stat that he's third or fourth highest in terms of all-time Premier League wins, so we have a manager who knows how to win football matches," he told safc.com.
"I've had very tough games against his teams in the past and although he hasn't had much time with the group yet he's been getting his ideas across."
