O'Shea focusing on Swiss and not permanent Republic role

John O'Shea led the Republic of Ireland to a goalless draw with Belgium in his first game as interim manager

Republic of Ireland interim manager John O'Shea says his full focus is on Tuesday's friendly with Switzerland and not speculation he might take the job on a permanent basis.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is yet to appoint a full-time successor to Stephen Kenny, who left the job in November.

"My remit was to focus on these two games," O'Shea said.

Marc Canham, the FAI's director of football, said that Kenny's successor would be named in early April.

England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley was a leading contender for the role but he ruled himself out.

The delay in appointing a permanent manager meant former Manchester United defender O'Shea, who won 118 caps for the Republic, was handed the reins for March's two friendlies.

A solid performance in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Belgium only increased speculation he could take the job full-time, but O'Shea was quick to say his focus was on the short term.

"If my remit beforehand was 'John, you're the full-time new manager', it might have been a different situation," he said before Tuesday's game with Switzerland.

"The focus for me was 'these two games, John, look after these games and see what happens then'.

"I am focusing on the last game against Switzerland. My focus has been on that right from the start when this process started.

"Two games, I am focused on that, get the best from the boys, bring this group together with the staff, getting the lads to know my staff as quickly as possible, and getting the bond together quickly, going into two games where you know you'll face challenges, but two games where you know you can get good results too."

Switzerland, ranked 19th in the world, drew 0-0 with Denmark in their opening friendly - their fourth draw in their past five internationals.