Mick McCarthy has been confirmed as the new manager of Cardiff City.

The former Republic of Ireland boss replaces Neil Harris who was sacked this week following a run of six consecutive defeats.

McCarthy will be assisted between now and the end of the season by his long-time wingman, Terry Connor.

His appointment comes just 16-days after he was sacked by Cypriot First Division strugglers, APOEL Nicosia.

McCarthy lasted just nine games in charge of APOEL, and paid the price for a run of four straight losses.

I'm delighted to be here," he told Cardiff City TV, "I'm thrilled by the opportunity.

"I want to get the Club back to winning games and I want to get smiles back on the players' faces. If we do that, then we'll get smiles back on the fans.

"We've got a good squad of players and I'm looking forward to getting down to work."

McCarthy has a superb pedigree with Championship sides.

He led both Sunderland and Wolves to promotion to the Premier League, and guided both Millwall and Ipswich Town to the playoffs.

McCarthy takes on a Cardiff side who sit 15th in the Championship table. The Bluebirds are 9-points off the relegation zone, and 13 adrift of the playoffs.

Tan Sri Vincent Tan said of his appointment, "I’ve enjoyed the brief talk I’ve had with Mick and I’m confident that he’s the right man to take on the responsibility of improving our performances and fortunes."

It's believed McCarthy wasn't Cardiff's first choice to replace Harris.

Former Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook reportedly turned down a six-month contract offer from the South Wales side.

Cook's been a free agent since leaving Wigan Athletic at the end of last season, and has also piqued the interest of Sheffield Wednesday.

Frank Lampard’s future, Brendan Rodgers’ pedigree and what’s happened Liverpool?