FORMER Derry City and Coleraine midfielder Ruaidhri Higgins was finally confirmed as part of Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland backroom team last night.
The 35-year-old played under Kenny at the Brandywell for five years and has now renewed acquaintances with the Dublin native. Higgins had been assistant manager at Dundalk, another of Kenny’s former clubs, but has now left that post.
Dundalk manager Vinny Perth last month criticised the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for how they made their approach for the Limavady man. However, Perth said he was now "satisfied that the matter has been dealt with in the correct manner".
"This is a wonderful opportunity for Ruaidhri and he leaves with the well-wishes of everyone in Dundalk," he told the Dundalk website.
"He was a popular and valuable member of our backroom team and I would like to thank him for the support and assistance he gave me during his time at the club.
"If you want a championship-winning team, then I believe you need championship-winning staff. Ruaidhri was certainly that and I’ll always be grateful to him for what he did for me."
Higgins will be Kenny's chief scout and opposition analyst, joining Keith Andrews, Damien Duff and Alan Kelly on a new-look backroom team. Damien Doyle has been named head of athletic performance while Kevin Mulholland joins the medical team as a chartered physiotherapist.
Kenny succeeded Mick McCarthy as Republic manager last month and his first game in charge is due to be the Nations League visit to Bulgaria in September, though that could change depending on the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm delighted to welcome Ruaidhri, Damien and Kevin, they are great additions to the backroom team," he said.
"They each have a great work ethic, a high level of professionalism and we are all looking forward to the campaign ahead."
Meanwhile, it was also confirmed last night that all the League of Ireland players and staff who underwent testing for Covid-19 on Monday have returned negative results.
Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians were tested as they prepare for a return to training on June 8 and a possible pilot tournament later this summer.
The FAI announced that nobody had tested positive for the virus, clearing the way for a safe return to action. All those tested have been informed of their negative result.
"This is most welcome news and a very positive step as we work with government, their agencies and all stakeholders in the game towards a safer return for all of Irish football," said FAI interim deputy CEO Niall Quinn.
"These negative results are an early boost for everyone in the game but it is only the start. We have to remain vigilant and we again urge all affiliates - clubs, players, supporters and parents - to abide by the government and HSE guidelines."
