Stephen Kenny's spell with Ireland has been littered with upheaval in his backroom staff, losing the likes of Damien Duff, Alan Kenny, and Ruaidhrí Higgins during his time in charge of the team.
Anthony Barry was added to that list recently, with the Chelsea assistant opting to take up a role with Belgium ahead of their tilt at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
There had been little indication of who would be his replacement, although Kenny said he hoped to have somebody in place for the friendly games against the Belgians and Lithuania this month.
That appointment has now been confirmed.
John Eustace joins Stephen Kenny's backroom team
The FAI have announced that John Eustace has joined Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland backroom team.
The 42-year old is the current assistant manager QPR, with his playing days taking in spells at the likes of Coventry City, Stoke City, and Watford. He previously managed Kidderminster Harriers and had a short spell as QPR caretaker manager in 2019. He will split his club duties with his Ireland role, similar to what Anthony Barry had done during his time in the setup.
Eustace is viewed as an exciting coaching prospect and has drawn some interest from clubs for their managerial positions in recent times. It was widely reported that he turned down the opportunity to become Swansea City manager last summer.
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.
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.
Of course, Eustace will be familiar with some members of the Ireland squad. Jeff Hendrick is currently on loan at QPR, while Ryan Manning would also have worked alongside him during his time at Loftus Road. Jimmy Dunne is another QPR player who is thought to be on the verge of an international breakthrough.
Stephen Kenny said that he is delighted to have him on board:
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.
The Ireland boss will be hoping that this appointment sticks around a bit longer than his previous ones.
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