Keith Andrews named part of Stephen Kenny's backroom team

Former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews has been named as assistant coach as part of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team for the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad.

The 35 time international is part of the current FAI Pro Licence Course and returns to work for the FAI having previously been part of Colin O’Brien’s coaching staff with the under-17s when they reached the quarter finals of the European Championships in 2017.

Joining the 2012 Senior International Player of the Year as an assistant coach is Jim Crawford, who departs his role as head coach of the Republic of Ireland under-18 side to take up the position working with Kenny.

Stephen Kenny and his management team face their first outing at Whitehall Stadium on Wednesday, February 6 when a home based under-21 squad is set to take on the Ireland Amateur team in a friendly game (kick-off 7.45pm).