Chelsea
coach Anthony Barry has joined Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland staff
ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Barry, who was appointed first-team coach by Frank Lampard at the start of
the season and retained by successor Thomas Tuchel, will combine his
international duties with his role at the Premier League club.
He said: "I'm delighted to join the Republic of Ireland coaching staff ahead
of the start of the FIFA 2022 World Cup campaign.
"The opportunity to work in international football is something I'm
thoroughly looking forward to and I'm looking forward to working with
manager Stephen Kenny, his staff and the squad. I'd also like to thank
Chelsea for helping facilitate this opportunity."
Former Accrington, Yeovil, Chester and Fleetwood midfielder Barry, 34, will
serve as an assistant coach on Kenny's staff with Damien Duff having stood
down from a similar role last month.
Duff and fellow former Ireland international Keith Andrews worked alongside
the new manager last year as he launched his reign with a run of eight games
without victory after replacing Mick McCarthy at the helm.
Kenny said: "I'd like to welcome Anthony to the Republic of Ireland team, he
is an innovative coach with an energetic style and is someone I have been
aware of for a few years now.
"The skill set Anthony brings will complement the existing coaching team and
I look forward to him joining up in March ahead of the World Cup
qualifiers."
Barry began his coaching career at Accrington before Paul Cook took him to
Wigan as first-team coach.
Ireland are due to launch their Group A campaign in Serbia on March 24
before hosting Luxembourg three days later.
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