John O'Shea: Republic of Ireland would take replay not Fifa money

Thierry Henry's handball went unpunished as France won the World Cup play-off in 2009

Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea says any compensation for players as part of Fifa's controversial deal with the Football Association of Ireland would be "ridiculous".

Fifa paid the FAI 5m euros (£3.6m) to stop legal action over Thierry Henry's handball for France in a 2009 play-off.

Raymond Domenech, manager of France at the time, said this week the Irish players should have received payment.

But O'Shea said they "would have wanted a replay - not monetary benefits".

The revelations about Fifa's payment have overshadowed Ireland's preparations for Sunday's friendly with England and next week's Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland.

In 2009, France and the Republic of Ireland were competing in a two-legged play-off for a place in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

France won the first leg 1-0 in Dublin before Robbie Keane made it 1-1 on aggregate by scoring in the first half of the second leg.

However, in extra-time and with the game heading towards penalties, Henry handled the ball and passed to William Gallas, who scored the goal that secured qualification for France.

O'Shea started the game in Paris but had come off injured by the time Henry struck.

The Sunderland defender insisted he and his team-mates had not been affected by the reaction to the details of the deal being made public.

"We are aware of it because of the news but we just have to get on with things," he added.

"It is one of those things that is done with. The FAI have made it very clear what has happened with their statement and now we are fully focused on our next two games."

The payment from Fifa went towards the Aviva Stadium, which was was opened in May 2010 and will host Ireland's next two matches.

"Ultimately we have our eye on the Scotland game but we want to get a result against England too," explained O'Shea.

"We realise how difficult that will be because England have been on a great run. We are expecting a tough game - I play against their players most weeks so I know how good they are.

"But we have some very good players too who are looking forward to attacking them and hopefully scoring one or two goals."