Sean McCaffrey was today unveiled as the new manager of the Republic of Ireland under-17 and under-19 teams.
He has acted as caretaker manager to both teams since Brian Kerr's appointment to the senior team in January.
McCaffrey's appointment comes on the back of some creditable results. He came close to qualification for last season's U19 European Championships and has got the team to the second phase of qualifiers this season.
"It's a great honour and I think I'm well equipped to do a good job," the 44-year-old said today.
"We've got to get the balance between results and development because underage football is all about developing players for Don (Givens) in the under-21s and more importantly Brian with the senior team.
"I see my job as player identification and player development. We need to be developing players from 12 and not losing them to other sports."
McCaffrey's under-19 team meet France in Alencon next week.