Not many players would get a send-off like this…
Few players have given as much to the Ireland cause over the past two decades as John O’Shea has. Tonight, the man they call Josh will make his final appearance for the boys in green when he lines out against the USA in the Aviva Stadium.
Tributes have already started pouring in for the former Man United defender, from Shane Long to President Michael D. Higgins.
Since my first squad in ‘07 Josh has been a role model to me. Professional, humble & always a leader. It was an honour to play along side you pal & congratulations on an amazing international career #ThanksJosh @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/Y3RRhSkDl1
— Shane Long (@ShaneLong7) June 2, 2018
But one of the coolest tributes we’ve seen so far is the Official Match Programme cover for tonight’s clash.
The FAI released the cover on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, which depicts O’Shea as Roman warrior with a Irish flag draped across his shoulders. His shoulder-plate also features the numerals CXVIII, which all scholars of Ancient Roman culture will know translates to 2018.
Tonight's Official Match Programme cover 👌 #ThanksJosh #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/R9HjCFIP3V
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 2, 2018
Nice, right?
The FAI has also produced a sweet video that saw them return to where it all started for the Waterford man, interviewing his old coaches at Ferrybank AFC and Waterford Bohemians.
You can check out the video in its entirety below.
We went back to where it all began for the great man at @FerrybankAFC & @WaterfordBohs. This is the story of John O'Shea.. #COYBIG #ThanksJosh pic.twitter.com/y2LsDHxC7U
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 2, 2018
O’Shea is set to make his 117th and final appearance for Ireland when the game kicks off at 8:08pm tonight.
