REPUBLIC OF IRELAND chiefs are delaying the appointment of a new boss until they hear an answer from Georgia gaffer Willy Sagnol.
John O’Shea will continue as caretaker chief for the summer fixtures against Hungary and Portugal.
But the Irish may pounce for Sagnol after he has led Georgia at this summer’s Euros.
O’Shea took over on a temporary basis in February following Stephen Kenny’s departure at the end of his contract in 2023.
The former Manchester United defender oversaw the friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland last month.
The Boys in Green drew 0-0 against the Red Devils with Evan Ferguson missing a penalty.
But they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Switzerland as Xherdan Shaqiri grabbed the only goal with a sweet free-kick.
Ireland failed to book their spot at Euro 2024 after finishing fourth in Group B of qualifying.
France topped the group ahead of the Netherlands – who both secured automatic spots.
Greece went into the play-offs as the Irish lost six of their eight matches – only beating Gibraltar twice.
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Sagnol, 47, spent nine years at the heart of Bayern Munich’s defence.
He also racked up 58 senior international caps for France.
His coaching career has included various roles within the French FA – featuring a spell as Under-21s head coach – as well as stints at Bordeaux and Bayern Munich.
In February 2021, he accepted the role as Georgian national team boss.
Three years later, a dramatic penalty shootout play-off win over Greece secured Georgia’s spot at the Euros in Germany.
It is their first major tournament since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1992 and sees the Crusaders go up against Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal in Group F.
