FAI confirm Kerr as Republic of Ireland boss

Brian Kerr has been appointed Mick McCarthy's successor as Republic of Ireland manager.

Brian Kerr has been appointed Mick McCarthy's successor as Republic of Ireland manager.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed the appointment this afternoon.

The Dubliner will be unveiled to the media at a press conference in the capital tomorrow afternoon where details of his contract will be made known.

FAI officials met with Kerr and his agent Fintan Drury in London today to finalise details of the contract.

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It is believed Kerr will seek a deal until the end of Ireland's involvement in the 2006 World Cup campaign.

News of the 49-year-old's successful application was leaked last Friday.

John Aldrige, Kevin Moran, Bryan Robson, Peter Reid, Philippe Troussier and Frank Stapleton were also interviewed for the post by the FAI's three-man selection committee.

Kerr made his name as a manager when he guided St. Patrick's Athletic to league titles in 1989-90 and 1995-96.

He was subsequently appointed international youth team manager in 1997. He led Ireland's under-16s and under-18s to European glory the following year and has steered the under-20s to this year's World Cup finals.

Kerr is expected to appoint Tottenham coach Chris Hughton as his assistant.

Hughton, who made 53 appearances for the Republic, is keen to join the international set up but also wants to stay on in his role at White Hart Lane where he is assistant to Glenn Hoddle.

Kerr's first task will be to name a squad next week for the friendly against Scotland in Hampden Park on February 12th.

He will reportedly make contact with Roy Keane in the next fortnight to sound out the former captain's feelings on returning to the squad.

Ireland's under-21 boss Don Givens took control of the senior squad for the friendly away to Greece last November and is one who appreciates the difficulty of the job. However, he has confidence is Kerr's ability.

"He'll bring great enthusiasm to the job, he's very thorough in his approach to games, no matter what level they are at.

"He knows the players, he's had a few of them through his hands before and he'll give it his best shot that's for sure.

"Whoever got the job had a hard act to follow. Mick McCarthy did a fantastic job and Brian will be giving it everything he's got.