Former Preston North End goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly to remain on Republic of Ireland coaching staff after change of manager

Over the weekend, Mick McCarthy's second spell as ROI manager came to an end, with Stephen Kenny stepping-up from the Under-21s to replace him.

That change was due to take place this summer after Euro 2020 but the tournament has been delayed until June 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Kelly, who played 142 league games for North End and later spent four years as keeper coach, was on McCarthy's backroom staff and also worked under Steve Staunton and Giovanni Trapattoni when they were in charge.

Now he will be on Kenny's staff as the Irish try to reach the Euros via the play-offs which are likely to be played later this year.

Kelly, 51, who left PNE in August 2017, is now keeper coach at Premier League side Everton.

FAI interim CEO Gary Owens said: "Alan knows international football inside and was part of the squad at two World Cup finals.

"He is highly regarded as a coach with Premier League side Everton and has huge experience with Ireland."