Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy says he's 'thrilled' that Robbie Keane has become Middlesbrough's new assistant manager.
Keane will remain part of McCarthy's backroom team while taking up the new role under new Boro manager Jonathan Woodgate who signed a three-year contract today.
McCarthy feels it's the 'next step' in Keane's 'path to becoming a top manager'.
“He told me about it the minute he was offered the job and I told him that it was only a runner if he continued with Ireland.
“We are building for the future with this Ireland team and Robbie is a key part of that. He has made a big impression on the players and the staff already as my assistant coach and this new role will only improve him which works for Middlesbrough and, most importantly, for Ireland.”
Ireland's record goal scorer Keane has re-iterated his commitment to his current role with McCarthy and the FAI.
“This is a great opportunity for me on my pathway to a manager’s job in the future and I am very excited about it.
“I am also grateful to the FAI and to Mick McCarthy for allowing me to take this role and to continue with Ireland. I made it very clear to everyone at Middlesbrough that I would not be coming here if I had to give up my Ireland role and they are happy to agree. Ireland means everything to me as it always has done and I look forward now to helping the team in our bid to make the Euro finals and those games in Dublin.”
