Former Reading defender and coach John O'Shea has left his role with Stoke City to focus on Republic of Ireland.

The Manchester United legend retired while with the Royals in 2018/19, playing 11 times, before joining the backroom staff.

Spending two years learning his trade, the centre-back has since spent time as Alex Neil's assistant at the Bet365 Stadium and is currently Stephen Kenny's assistant with the Irish national team.

Departing Staffordshire last week, the 42-year-old said: "I would like to thank everyone at Stoke City for their help and guidance last season and wish the Club good luck for the future.”

Highly-regarded in Berkshire, O'Shea is 6/1 to take over from Paul Ince as the next permanent boss at the SCL Stadium.

He is yet to manage at first-team level, but has great experience across British football.

Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder remains favourite at 6/4, with Notts County manager Luke Williams and former Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley at 4/1.