The FAI have reached an agreement with Dundalk for Ruaidhri Higgins to join Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland backroom team.

Higgins will work as a chief scout and opposition analyst for Kenny in the Irish setup.

Dundalk boss Vinny Perth says the job is a "wonderful opportunity" for his now former assistant manager.

“The FAI has reached an agreement to enable Ruaidhri’s departure,” the Lilywhites boss revealed of the deal.

“We put a huge emphasis and value on contracts at this club and we are satisfied that the matter has been dealt with in the correct manner.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Ruaidhri and he leaves with the well-wishes of everyone in Dundalk. He was a popular and valuable member of our backroom team and I would like to thank him for the support and assistance he gave me during his time at the club.

“If you want a championship-winning team, then I believe you need championship-winning staff. Ruaidhri was certainly that and I’ll always be grateful to him for what he did for me.

“For too long, managers have overlooked people in the background but every person, including Ruaidhri, made a huge contribution last season and we all wish him the very best of luck.