Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea keen to banish memories of Euro 2012

Jon Walters #14 of the Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier play off, second leg match between Republic of Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium on Novemb
© Getty Images
Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea hopes that the Boys in Green give a better account of themselves when they return to a European Championship.

John O'Shea has said that he is determined for the Republic of Ireland to right some wrongs when they return to the European Championship finals this summer.

The Boys in Green finished bottom of a group consisting of Spain - who went on to win the competition - Italy and Croatia at Euro 2012 four years ago under Giovanni Trappatoni.

Now under Martin O'Neill, the Sunderland centre-back is optimistic that the Irish can fare better in France this time around.

"I've done my best to erase it from my memory, but people keep bringing it up. I was hardly delighted with it," he told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously we wanted to get out of the group and we didn't, so that's the main thing we'll be looking to do this time around. Preparation is very important for it, but it's a different time, a different group of players, different management, everything's different.

"Fingers crossed the manager has a fully fit group to pick a squad from, and if we can have that, hopefully it will be a different set of results."

O'Neill's side were paired with Belgium, Italy and Sweden this time around, with their first game coming against the Swedes at Stade de France on June 13.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill asks 'Is it bigger than a bread bin?' during his side's Euro 2016 qualifier with Germany.
Read Next:
O'Neill: 'Euro 2016 places up for grabs'
>
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester31199354312366
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs311710456243261
3Arsenal30167748301855
4Manchester CityMan City30156952322051
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham301311647351250
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd30148838271150
7Southampton31138104132947
8Stoke CityStoke31137113437-346
9Liverpool2912894540544
10Chelsea30101194541441
11West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom30109113037-739
12Everton29911951411038
13Bournemouth31108133850-1238
14Watford30107133032-237
15Swansea CitySwansea3199133140-936
16Crystal Palace3096153240-833
17Norwich CityNorwich3177173254-2228
18Sunderland3068163655-1926
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3067172955-2625
20Aston Villa3137212258-3616