Could Ireland missing World Cup see O’Shea push for Sunderland job?

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John O’Shea is among the candidates to become manager at Sunderland.

Jeff Hendrick and Shane Duffy of the Republic of Ireland look dejected after the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off Second Leg against Denmark.

The Republic of Ireland will not be going to the 2018 World Cup after a 5-1 defeat to Denmark in the playoffs ended their hopes of heading to Russia.

Inadvertently this may affect Sunderland’s search for a new manager, with no one having been appointed to replace Simon Grayson on a permanent basis as yet.

Simon Grayson looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Sunderland.

That is because John O’Shea – a member of the Irish squad – may look to fast track into coaching now that he knows there he is no chance of him playing at one last international tournament.

According to the Northern Echo, O’Shea remains on the shortlist to take charge at the Stadium of Light, along with Aitor Karanka, Ally McCoist and current Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom.

Ireland’s John O’Shea attends a training session at the Telia Parken Stadion in Copenhagen the day before the World Cup qualification match against Denmark.

The 36 year old is Black Cats captain at the moment but has made no secret of his desire to move into management and now could be the ideal time for him to do so.

It has been over two weeks since Grayson was sacked on October following the 3-3 Championship draw with Bolton Wanderers and it is understood chief executive Martin Bain has begun formal interviews for the job.