King takes temporary charge of Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss Noel King has been appointed interim manager of the senior team for their final two 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

King, 57, will lead Ireland away to Germany on 11 October and at home to Kazakhstan four days later, allowing the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) more time to find a permanent replacement for Giovanni Trapattoni following the Italian's resignation two weeks ago. King's assistant, Harry McCue, will assume temporary control of the U21 side.

"The board of management resolved that it will take the appropriate time to appoint the best person to manage Ireland for the EURO 2016 campaign which starts in September next year," the FAI said in a statement. "They also wished Noel King and Harry McCue well in their interim roles.

"Noel has an excellent track record with the association and is well respected throughout the game. He has worked first hand with many current senior players during their time at U21 level including Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy, Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick."

Indeed, King was appointed U21 manager in 2010 after leading Ireland to the final of the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship, qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The former Shamrock Rovers FC, Derry City FC, Limerick FC and Finn Harps FC boss also had a decade in charge of Ireland's senior women's team, reaching the UEFA Women's play-offs, before his 2010 appointment.