King will manage Ireland

DUBLIN: The Football Association of Ireland on Monday appointed Noel King as the Republic of Ireland’s interim manager.

King, who was already working as Ireland’s Under-21 coach, has been asked to take over on a temporary basis as the FAI board continues the search for a permanent successor to Giovanni Trapattoni following the Italian’s sacking earlier this month.

King’s appointment was announced after a board meeting on Monday, at which it was also agreed that former Liverpool and Ireland star Ray Houghton, who was involved in the process of hiring Trapattoni, and Ruud Dokter, the FAI’s newly-appointed high performance dir- ector, should carry out an assessment of potential candidates in an attempt to identify the best man for the job.

‘‘The FAI’s Board of Management met this evening to review the work it has been doing on the senior men’s team managerial appointment and to progress the next steps in the appointment process,’’ a statement read.

‘‘After considering the views of people within the game and taking soundings from its constituent members, the Board tonight decided that the next steps should include a comprehensive assessment of the market.’’

Former Juventus and Bayern Munich boss Trapattoni was axed after five years in charge of Ireland.