Soccer:Shamrock Rovers have appointed Brian Laws as director of football at the club until the end of the 2012 season. Laws will take charge of the first team for Saturday's EA Sports Cup final and for the remainder of the Airtricity League season.

The former Burnley, Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe United and Grimsby manager also made over 100 playing appearances each for Burnley, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest and was signed by Brian Clough at the latter club.

Shamrock Rovers chairman, Jonathan Roche said: “We have six important league games and the EA Sports Cup final coming up over the next month and a half, and Brian is coming in to help the existing back room staff to do as well as possible in those games.

“Bringing Brian in also gives the club some breathing space to take our time to pick the next manager. Brian’s experience in the game will help us very much in the short term, and he has recruited many players from Ireland so he is not a stranger to the league.”

Speaking after his appointment, Laws said: “I am delighted to be joining Shamrock Rovers and look forward to working with the chairman, board of directors, players, staff and supporters to move the club forward into a new era.

“I have significant football managerial experience having taken charge of over 800 league games in all four divisions in England. I aim to bring that experience with me to advise, guide and lead the club’s short-term strategy.

“My strengths include getting to know clubs from top to bottom and leading change where necessary, at all times identifying and building on the club’s strengths, culture and brand. I am delighted to be accepting the challenge and can't wait to get going.”