Republic of Ireland assistant John O’Shea has stressed there is no confusion over the team’s coaching structure.
The former Manchester United defender took charge of four games on an interim basis during the prolonged search for Stephen Kenny’s successor before the post ultimately went to Heimir Hallgrimsson.
O’Shea had outlined his own ambitions for the top job, but said he needed no persuasion to revert to a number two when appointed in August.
After the 2-0 Nations League defeat by England to start Hallgrimsson’s reign, the former Iceland and Jamaica boss spoke of O’Shea’s input in selecting the squad and then sent the 43-year-old to the eve-of-match media conference to preview Tuesday night’s game against Greece, an obligation traditionally undertaken by the manager.
“It’s very simple, this plan was in place beforehand and it’s obviously to give the boss as much time in terms of preparation,” said O’Shea to explain Hallgrimsson’s absence.
“[With] the quick turnaround in the games, that was always the case so there is no change in anything.
“The boss is the boss and there are clear lines on that. As I mentioned, this is the plan that was in place beforehand, and we felt there was no reason to change it.”
O’Shea was repeatedly pressed on the issue throughout the media conference alongside goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
He added: “It’s not a leading role, I’m the assistant. The leader is the boss and that is clear.
“I don’t know why there has to be this constant. The boss is the boss, it’s very simple. The players know that, you can ask Caoimhin about that. The meetings that were coming across, the plans in place.
“So I don’t know why you have to keep going on about that. For me personally, it’s clear from the staff’s point of view and the players’ point of view.”
Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, two players who had previously represented the Republic of Ireland at either senior or under-21s level, were enough to give England victory on Saturday.
While the hosts were second best throughout the contest, O’Shea welcomed the fact that the side are back at the Aviva Stadium just three days later to face Greece.
“You play against a team that has just been in the Euros final and you know you’re going to be under plenty of pressure in a game like that. The fact that it was England brings that extra bit of scrutiny too.
“Clearly room for improvement, we know that. We know England were the best team on the day, but thankfully we have another chance to put in a performance against Greece quite quickly.”
