Brian Kerr has been appointed as the Republic of Ireland's new manager.

The 49-year-old Dubliner had previously been the highly successful boss of the Republic's youth team for the past six years.

He replaces Mick McCarthy, who resigned in November amid continuing fallout over his feud with Roy Keane.

Details of Kerr's contract will be unveiled at a press conference in Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel on Tuesday.

Kerr is the former manager of Dublin side St. Patrick's Athletic, the side he twice guided to the domestic double in the 1990s, but his most celebrated achievements have come as boss of Ireland's youth teams.

Under his stewardship, Ireland won the 1998 European championships at both Under-16 and Under-18 level and finished third in the 1999 World Youth Cup in Malaysia.

Last week, the 49-year-old Kerr returned from yet another success after his Under-20s team beat France in a prestigious four-team tournament in Abu Dhabi.

Kerr's first match in charge of the Republic will be a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on 12 February.

Spurs' Chris Hughton is set to assist Kerr

It is widely expected that Tottenham first-team coach Chris Hughton will be his part-time assistant, with Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle set to approve the appointment.

"I won't stand in Chris' way. I am due to speak to him, and we would need to clear it with the board, but I have no objections to it happening," said Hoddle.

Kerr has landed the job ahead of the likes of Bryan Robson, Peter Reid and John Aldridge.

Robson, the former Manchester United and England captain and Middlesborough manager, had been the British bookmakers' favorite for the job.

McCarthy resigned as Ireland coach in November after six and a half years in charge.

He took Ireland to the second round of last summer's World Cup, but his dispute with Keane eventually drove him out.

Danger

Keane, who had publicly criticised the team's preparations and facilities as cheap and disorganised, was sent home on the eve of the World Cup after verbally abusing McCarthy during a team meeting.

Keane, the Manchester United midfielder and captain, had vowed never to play for Ireland again as long as McCarthy was in charge.

McCarthy left with Ireland in danger of failing to qualify for the 2004 European Championship.

After losses to Russia and Switzerland, Ireland is fifth out of six teams in its qualifying group.

Its next Euro qualifier is on 29 March away to Georgia.