Ex-Blues boss Mick McCarthy’s return to his former role as manager of the Republic of Ireland has been confirmed with his Town assistant Terry Connor joining him.
The 59-year-old, who was previously in the post between 1996 and 2002, has agreed a two-year deal with Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny set to take charge after Euro 2020. Kenny will leave his role the League of Ireland champions to run the U21s side until that handover.
Connor, who worked with McCarthy throughout his time at Portman Road, will be one of two assistant coaches along with Robbie Keane.
"I'm honoured and excited to be back with the Republic of Ireland. I am delighted that the FAI Board and CEO have given me this opportunity to lead the team to Euro 2020," McCarthy said.
"I have been involved in club football for the last 15 years, so this will be a new challenge but one that I know well.
"I'm delighted to have Terry Connor, a trusted colleague and excellent coach, and Robbie Keane, one of the finest players who I had the pleasure of managing, helping me as assistant coaches.
"I am looking forward to getting started and embracing this challenge to qualify for Euro 2020, where it would be fantastic to play in front of the Ireland supporters in Aviva Stadium."
FAI chief executive John Delaney (pictured with McCarthy at this afternoon's press conference below) added: "This is a very exciting time for Irish football as we are able to welcome back a proven manager at international level in Mick McCarthy and also look to the future with Stephen Kenny.
"Mick was a great player for Ireland and then had a terrific impact as manager by guiding the team to the round of 16 in the 2002 World Cup following a memorable draw with eventual finalists Germany.
"There is no doubt that he knows international football and has the appetite to lead the team forward again.
"Qualifying for Euro 2020 is hugely important considering we are hosting four games at the Aviva Stadium and Mick will set about achieving that as soon as we discover our opponents in next Sunday's draw at Dublin's Convention Centre."
McCarthy and Connor left the Blues after five and a half years in April, while the previous Ireland boss Martin O'Neill and his assistant, former Blues boss Roy Keane, departed their roles last week.