Stephen Kenny has appointed Queens Park Rangers assistant manager John Eustace as his new number two ahead of the upcoming friendlies with Belgium and Lithuania.
The Englishman comes in to replace Anthony Barry, who works with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, after he left to take up a role at world number one side Belgium.
42-year-old Eustace, who played in the Premier League with Coventry City, is currently Mark Warburton’s assistant at QPR.
The Solihull native was brought into QPR by former England boss Steve McClaren and had a seven-game spell as caretaker manager in 2019, helping the club avoid relegation.
Midfielder Eustace also lined out for Stoke City, Watford and Derby County in the Championship during a 20-year playing career before retiring in 2015.
The former Kidderminster Harriers manager will mix his duties at QPR, who have Ireland internationals Keiren Westwood and Jeff Hendrick plus Ireland under-21 player Jimmy Dunne on the books, with the Irish gig.
"I'm delighted to join the Republic of Ireland coaching staff and excited to link up with the squad this week for the matches against Belgium and Lithuania,” said Eustace.
“The opportunity to join Stephen Kenny's coaching staff is an exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to working with this young group of players.”
Ireland face Belgium, managed by former Everton and Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez, in the first of two friendlies on March 26.
The Boys in Green face the Red Devils at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday before hosting Lithuania at the same venue on Tuesday, March 29.
Kenny, who penned a new deal earlier this month to take Ireland into the European Championships in Germany in 2024, was effusive in his praise for the new acquisition.
He said: “John has been assistant manager with Queens Park Rangers for four years and has established himself as an accomplished and well-respected coach.
“He is an excellent addition to the coaching team and we’re looking forward to linking up for the two matches against Belgium and Lithuania, and for the season ahead.”
