Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane have become the Republic of Ireland’s managerial dream team.
The 61-year-old Ulsterman and the 42-year-old former Manchester United and Ireland skipper have signed initial two-year contracts after concluding talks with the Football Association of Ireland.
The duo will be in charge for next month’s friendly against Latvia O’Neill and Keane, who were on duty as ITV pundits at the Champions League clash between Real Sociedad and Manchester United, expressed their delight before the game.
Asked if it was a marriage made in heaven, former Celtic boss O’Neill said: “Well, I think I’m the bad cop and he’s the bad, bad cop.
“We’re excited by it. It looks like we’ve something to go with. I’m looking forward to it greatly.”
Keane said: “It’s fantastic news. I’m honoured that Martin has asked me to come and help him.
“I’m very excited I might not look it, but I am. I look forward to working with the players and trying to get to the Euros.”
O’Neill is expected to be formally unveiled at a press conference on Saturday after opting to resume his career on the international stage a little more than seven months after parting company with last club Sunderland.