Rep. of Ireland: Martin O'Neill succeeds Giovanni Trapattoni as manager, Roy Keane to be assistant

Martin O'Neill has been appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland, announced the FAI (Football Association of Ireland), on the 05/11/2013.

He replaces Giovanni Trapattoni, who resigned on the 11/09/2013, and acting manager Noel King. John Delaney, chief executive of the Association, "hopes that the final details will be signed on Saturday," the 09/11/2013.

Martin O'Neill, the former Northern Ireland midfielder (64 caps, 8 goals), left his position as manager of Sunderland (Premier League) on the 30/03/2013.

In his new role as manager, he will be assisted by Roy Keane. The former Irish international (58 caps, 9 goals) has not managed since the 07/01/2011 when he left Ipswich Town (English second division).

O'Neill's first game as manager will be at home to Latvia, on the 15/11/2013. The Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, finishing fourth in Group C (14 points), behind Germany, Sweden and Austria.