Chris Hughton will be Bran Kerr's assistant

Chris Hughton has been confirmed as the new part-time assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland team.

Tottenham coach Hughton, who won 53 caps for the Republic, will be in the dug-out with newly-appointed manager Brian Kerr for the friendly against Scotland on 12 February.

Hughton was given Tottenham's approval to work with the Irish squad.

"On an international week we have something like 12-14 players away from the training ground," said Hughton.

"So these weeks tend to be lesser training weeks because, obviously, we have less players to work with.

"It will also benefit the club in terms of the experience I get from it and the international players I see on my travels."

I will bring to the job 10 years of coaching experience with Tottenham Hotspur Chris Hughton

Hughton said he would do everything within his power to help Ireland qualify for the 2004 European Championships.

"Having played for 11 or 12 years with Ireland it is a great honour to be able to return although in a different capacity," he said.

"I will bring to the job 10 years of coaching experience with Tottenham Hotspur and five of those years have, on and off, been with the first team".

Hughton deals with Republic players Robbie Keane, Stephen Carr and Gary Doherty on a daily basis.