Former Republic of Ireland international Mark Kinsella will hang up his boots this weekend and take up a coaching role with Charlton Athletic, a club he spent seven seasons with as a player.

The 34-year-old will play his final game for Walsall - where he has also been a coach - against Swindon Town on Saturday before starting his new role as Charlton development coach on Monday.

"I've always said one day I wanted to come back to Charlton and I'm delighted to get the opportunity now," said Kinsella.

"When I was a player at the club we worked hard for a number of years to get in the Premiership and establish ourselves, and now I'm really looking forward to being part of the team to try and move the club up the table."

Charlton's win over Blackburn last night moved them off the bottom of the table but the Londoners still languish in the relegation zone.

"Walsall have been brilliant to me," Kinsella added. "I've really enjoyed my time at the club and that has made it a much harder decision than it might have been.

"But they know how I feel about Charlton, which is my club. It's difficult to leave, but I'm very excited about coming back to Charlton."

Charlton have agreed a compensation package with the League Two side, the details of which remain confidential.

Kinsella will be responsible for the development of Charlton's young players and the management of the club's reserve team.

Charlton manager Les Reed said:  "I'm particularly pleased that Mark has agreed to join us because he has very strong leadership qualities, tremendous drive and enthusiasm and of course Charlton blood running through his veins."

Kinsella, who was recently linked with the vacant manager's position at Derry City, made 48 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, scoring three goals.