Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins believes interim Republic of Ireland boss John O'Shea will be a "calming influence" for the two friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.
O’Shea was appointed by the FAI for two matches having previously served under Stephen Kenny as coach and worked with Birmingham City as well recently.
Higgins did not work with O’Shea during his tenure as opposition analyst with the FAI but has crossed paths with the former Manchester United man since leaving the association.
Speaking ahead of Derry’s clash with St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday, the City boss said: "I know John personally although I wouldn't say I know him brilliantly well. He's got unbelievable experience in the game and he is a real calming influence from talking to him.
"I know he is very popular with players as well. I'm not sure what the role is or how long it will be but I wish him nothing but the best. I think they are in a safe pair of hands.
"I've heard a lot of good things (about his coaching) and I've got to know him over the last couple of years but I physically haven’t been in and around him when he has been on the pitch. I can say he is a brilliant human being (from getting to know him)."
Higgins has sympathy with the FAI as they search for a permanent successor to Kenny, with Lee Carsley continually linked to the role.
The association has not yet been able to pry Carsley from his role with England Under-21s.
FAI director of football Marc Canham has promised the role will be filled in April which will mean it will be five months from the exit of Kenny to naming a new manager.
Higgins added: "Everyone has a plan when they go in to making these decisions. Sometimes your plans don't come to fruition for whatever reason.
"In an ideal world it would be good if they had it nailed down but it is not to be in this minute and time. They have a real safe pair of hands with John for however long it takes."
Derry are unbeaten after two matches of Premier Division season ahead of the visit of the Saints for a match live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Friday night.
Despite suffering a loss to Bohemians last week, Higgins is expecting a tough encounter at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
It’s the first part of a difficult run for City as they meet the FAI Cup holders on Friday before a trip to Tallaght on Monday to take on league champions Shamrock Rovers.
Higgins said: "Pat’s are a really good team. They’ve recruited well and they will be very, very difficult to beat. But we’re at home and we want to try and go and win the game.
"I think it is an extremely competitive league and you’ll see that again this weekend on Friday and Monday.
"It is why we are in the game. We want to be involved in big fixtures, it’ll be a sellout here on Friday and something similar on Monday.
"Our only focus at this minute in time is trying to beat a really good side on Friday night."
Last Saturday’s draw with Sligo Rovers came at a price as Cameron Dummigan and Patrick McEleney suffered injuries and were forced off during the game.
The prognosis has been good, however, in particular when it comes to McEleney who is a key man in the attacking midfield element of City’s side.
Higgins revealed: "We got some decent news regarding Patrick. It isn’t anywhere near as bad as first feared which is great.
"It was the best pre-season Patrick has had in a long time which is why it is harder to swallow that he picked up an injury.
"We’ve got decent news and we’re hopeful he’ll be back in the not too distant future. The thing with Patrick is you know if you get him back fit and well he is as good as anything in the country. That’s why we’ll keep pushing him and he’ll keep pushing himself because we know what an unbelievable footballer he is.
"Cameron Dummigan’s injury is a small bit more complex so we are waiting on more details."
Sadou Diallo will also miss out for City due to injury.
Watch Derry City v St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
