John O’Shea scouts Birmingham City manager for Republic of Ireland role

Birmingham City manager Pete Shuttleworth has been added to the Republic of Ireland back-up squad.

The Blues manager was brought in by Wayne Rooney’s former assistant John O’Shea, who is now Ireland’s interim head coach. The pair worked together at the Blues during Rooney’s ill-fated 15-game tenure.

Shuttleworth is in his second spell at the Blues after working under Gary Rowett during his first spell at the club. He followed Rowett to Derby where he worked under Rooney and will then go to DC United with the former Manchester United striker.

Rooney brought Shuttleworth back to the Blues last October and, although he stepped back from first-team duties when Rowett returned, also on an interim basis, he remains at the club following the appointment of Chris Davies as head coach.

READ: EFL financial changes to hit Blues after ‘unanimous recognition’

READ: Tottenham pundit explains what the Blues can expect from Chris Davies

For now, however, he will focus on Ireland’s next game, which comes in Portugal on Tuesday, June 11, in place of Martin Doyle.

O’Shea said: “I’ve worked with Pete at Birmingham City before and I’ve always been impressed with his skills, so it’s great that he’s been able to feature in the two games as part of the back-line.”

Shuttleworth added: “I really enjoyed meeting the group on Thursday and am honored to be asked to join the back team for the two games. get in. International football presents an exciting challenge and I can’t wait for the games.”

Who would you like to see form the backline for Chris Davies at the Blues? Let us know here