Chelsea coach Anthony Barry has been appointed as Damien Duff’s successor on Ireland’s coaching staff.
Stephen Kenny has gone for a left-field choice of assistant who will work alongside him and Keith Andrews in the World Cup campaign.
Barry was a Coventry City team-mate of Ireland chief scout Ruaidhri Higgins and remain close to this day.
The 34-year-old spent 13 years as a player in the Football League with other clubs like Yeovil, Chester, Accrington, Fleetwood and Wrexham.
His coaching career began at Accrington Stanley before moving to Wigan where he worked under former Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook.
Barry then moved to Chelsea under Lampard and will remain in his role with the Premier League side while doubling up with Ireland.
He was a right-hand man to former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and has been kept on by Thomas Tuchel.
"The opportunity to work in international football is something I'm thoroughly looking forward to,” he said.
“I'm looking forward to working with Stephen Kenny, his staff and the squad. I'd also like to thank Chelsea for helping facilitate this opportunity.”
Ireland boss Kenny said: "Anthony is an innovative coach with an energetic style and is someone I have been aware of for a few years.”
