Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill indicated on Thursday that he had not yet signed a new contract to stay in the job through to the 2018 World Cup.

However, the 64-year-old said a shake of hands with Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney was all he needed to accept the new deal before the start of Euro 2016.

"I've shaken hands with John, that's all that's necessary. I think John felt that going into the Euros it might be a decent thing to do so we're fine," O'Neill told reporters in Versailles, where the Irish team trained for the first time on Thursday, a day after arriving in France for the European Championship.

The news of O'Neill's impending new contract came as a boost to Ireland before they start their Euro campaign against Sweden at the Stade de France on Monday, even if O'Neill himself played down its importance.

"I think I've always said about the players that they want to play for their country regardless of who is in charge. We've had a good run the last two years and we want to try to continue," he added.

However, veteran goalkeeper Shay Given, who at 40 is in France as a back-up to first-choice Darren Randolph, hailed the news of O'Neill's extension.

"It's fantastic of course, because he's had great luck with the squad that's here and he's brought a few younger players through as well and I'm sure he'll be looking to September to bring a few more in," he said.

Jon Walters was back on the field for Ireland as they trained before an adoring crowd under blazing sunshine in Versailles.

Stoke City forward Walters, 32, has been struggling with an achilles problem for the last week but took to the pitch, although he trained apart from the rest of the squad.

Robbie Keane and Robbie Brady, who had also been recovering from minor injuries, took part in a training game that was open to the public and watched by hundreds of local schoolchildren at the ground close to Versaille's world famous chateau.

"I think the boys are in good spirits," O'Neill said. "Jon Walters trained on his own. He's improving, and everybody else seems to be good.

"I have a decent idea of the (starting) side. The players are very, very keen to start the game, and a lot of them feel as if they've got a chance of playing."

After getting their campaign underway against Sweden, Ireland will also come up against Belgium and Italy in Group E.