Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny believes Ruaidhri Higgins has a "very bright future" in football after becoming Derry City manager.
Higgins was confirmed as the new Derry City manager on Friday morning, 24 hours after the departure of Declan Devine.
Higgins played under Kenny at both Derry and Dundalk before he joined the backroom staff with the Lilywhites.
The 36-year-old had been working with the FAI as chief scout and opposition analyst.
"I want to wish Ruaidhri the best of luck managing Derry City," said Kenny.
"He has a very bright future in the game and he'll be delighted to manage his hometown club that he played with for nine seasons, and we wish him well."
FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill added: "Ruaidhri is a very proud Derry man and a former player with the club so this is the one job in football he couldn’t refuse.
"We wish him the best of luck with the new position and thank him for his services to the senior Ireland team.”
Gerry McAnaney, FAI President, said: "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Ruaidhri for his time with us.
"A valued member of Stephen’s backroom team, I have no doubt he will enjoy this new job with Derry City and I wish them great success together."
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