Only League of Ireland players will be considered for the new Republic of Ireland under-23 set-up, manager Pat Fenlon has said.

Fenlon's appointment was rubber-stamped today and the FAI has accepted an invitation to play in an eight-team tournament beginning next month and which will run for 18 months.

Two groups of four will compete in a challenge competition with the top team in each pool contesting the final.

Fenlon's squad will be up against Slovakia, Belgium and Northern Ireland while England, Wales, Italy and Finland fight it out in the other group.

England will draw on Conference players; the Italians from Serie C; Wales from both the Welsh Premier and English conference and Northern Ireland from the Irish Premier League.

Belgium, Finland and Slovakia will chose players from their respective Premier Divisions.

Fenlon's team will play Slovakia and Belgium at home but must travel to Northern Ireland.  There is no home-and-away format.

The Republic's first game is against the Slovaks at Dalymount Park on November 13th before travelling to face Northern Ireland sometime in March.

"I'm delighted to get back into football," said Fenlon who has named Longford Town boss Alan Matthews as his assistant and will bring in a pro-licence coach.

"It's a great opportunity to manage your country and as a manager that's something you always want to do."

But Fenlon is still eyeing a return to club football. Whether or not he could juggle both jobs should a club come calling remains to be seen but he will consult with the FAI if such an occasion arises.

"It's something we spoke about. . . and it wouldn't be the first time that someone has managed a club and international team," he said.

"I want to get back involved in club football.  If it's to benefit the league team that I stay or go then we'll see what's beneficial for the club."

For the time being his sights are focused on his new role.  He has not signed a fixed contract but the tournament runs for the next 18 months and he will see out that term.

League of Ireland director Fran Gavin believes the new grade is an opportunity for the league's players to showcase their talent and possibly carve out international careers.

"We've all seen under-21 players coming through so this fits nicely between that set-up and the 'B' internationals."
 
The league will have ended by the time the Slovakian game comes around but Fenlon is confident managers will prove co-operative when releasing players next season.

Gavin was unmoved when asked if the league would force clubs to release players. Instead, he said, club games could be rescheduled to facilitate the Irish under-23 team.

"There's 100 per cent backing for this from everyone in the FAI and the League of Ireland and there'll be the same criteria in place as for any other international game," he said.

"If that means we have to move some of our fixtures to accommodate we'll do that."