The FAI has appointed Anthony Barry as an assistant to Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.
The current Chelsea first-team coach joins the coaching staff ahead of the start of the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign next month.
The association says Barry will remain in his existing role at Chelsea and link up with the Ireland squad in international windows.
Speaking in relation to the appointment manager Stephen Kenny said;
"I'd like to welcome Anthony to the Republic of Ireland team, he is an innovative coach with an energetic style and is someone I have been aware of for a few years now.
"The skillset Anthony brings will complement the existing coaching team and I look forward to him joining up in March ahead of the World Cup qualifiers."
Anthony Barry appointed to Ireland assistant coach role
The @ChelseaFC first-team coach will link up with the Ireland squad during the international windows
Welcome Anthony 👊
➡️ https://t.co/O61AozIoym#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/DYy5rpDJPH
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) February 26, 2021
Barry replaces Damien Duff who stepped away from his role in January of this year.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill, Speaking to OTB Sports on Friday, said the recent 'videogate' controversy was a reason behind his departure.
Reacting to the announcement of his successor Hill said;
"I am really pleased that we have confirmed Anthony in this key role as Stephen continues his preparation for the start of the World Cup qualification process and what is a hugely exciting year ahead for the senior men’s team.
"I would like to welcome Anthony to the FAI and wish him all the very best in his new role with us.”
Barry, who's a native of Liverpool, enjoyed a lengthy career as a midfielder in England, making over 270 appearances in a 13-year spell.
His coaching career began at Accrington Stanley before moving to Wigan.
Paul Cook brought him into the Latics as a first-team coach where they secured the League One title in the 2017/18 season.
Following this success, Frank Lampard named Anthony as a first-team coach at Chelsea at the start of the 2020/21 season and he has remained an integral member of the first-team coaching staff under Thomas Tuchel.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
