Devlin joins new Irish set-up

Bray Wanderers manager Pat Devlin has joined Steve Staunton's international team, being named yesterday by the Football Association…

Bray Wanderers manager Pat Devlin has joined Steve Staunton's international team, being named yesterday by the Football Association of Ireland as Republic of Ireland "B" team manager and Eircom League co-ordinator.

Staunton, who, on his appointment as senior manager, vowed that the Eircom League would be scouted for potential internationals, has given Devlin the task of alerting him to promising local players.

"Pat will report on talent in the Eircom League and through the re-instatement of the "B" Internationals, provide a development opportunity for home-based players," said Staunton.

"The "B" Internationals can also provide a focal point for players over the age of 21 who have yet to graduate to full senior level.

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"We're trying to build a club ethos around the International set up and that takes time, but creating stronger links between the under-age teams managed by Vincent Butler, Seán McCaffrey and Don Givens helps and in a similar way getting closer ties with the Eircom League should contribute positively to what we're trying to achieve", added Staunton.

Devlin, who has spent the bulk of his managerial career with Bray, but also had spells at Shamrock Rovers Athlone Town and Drogheda United, has also scouted for Liverpool, Blackburn and Newcastle and has been the long-time advisor to Damien Duff, helping broker his move from Blackburn to Chelsea in 2003.

"The development of home-based players is very much part of Stephen's long-term plan and I'm looking forward to joining the team and contributing to that plan," said Devlin.

"We hope that with more focus on the League we can provide more opportunities for home-based players to come through to senior international level," he added.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times