• Republic of Ireland

O'Neill named Ireland boss, Keane as assistant

Roy Keane will return to the Republic of Ireland set-up after walking out on his country at the 2002 World Cup © Getty Images

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The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed the appointment of Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane as their new management team, according to Sky Sports News.

O'Neill has signed a two-year contract as manager, with Keane to act as assistant. Ireland have been without a manager since the departure of Giovanni Trapattoni in September, with the side failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

"I'm the bad cop and he's the bad, bad cop. We're excited and I'm looking forward to it," O'Neill told ITV.

Keane added: "I'm delighted and honoured Martin has asked me to work with him. I'm looking forward to working with the players and getting to the Euros."

Speaking on Tuesday FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "Irish football and our country is bigger than anything. Two icons of Irish football can work together with us. The past is in the past."

Although Trapattoni led Ireland to Euro 2012 the country failed to pick up a point. Trapattoni was allowed to continue in his role in a bid to qualify for Brazil but defeats to Sweden and Austria left them six points adrift of a play-off place with two games remaining and ended his five-and-a-half year tenure.

Former Sunderland manager O'Neill quickly emerged as the favourite to replace him, with former Manchester United midfielder Keane likely to be appointed as his assistant.

Keane, capped 67 times by Ireland, famously walked out of the 2002 World Cup after a disagreement with then-Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

O'Neill and Keane are in line to take charge for the first time for the friendly game against Latvia on November 15 at Dublin's Aviva Stadium before an away game against Poland four days later.

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