Anthony Barry will serve as an assistant coach on Stephen Kenny's staff after Damien Duff stood down from a similar role last month; Republic of Ireland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Serbia on March 24
Friday 26 February 2021 18:00, UK
Chelsea coach Anthony Barry has joined Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland staff ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Barry, who was appointed first-team coach by Frank Lampard at the start of the season and retained by successor Thomas Tuchel, will combine his international duties with his role at the Premier League club.
He said: "I'm delighted to join the Republic of Ireland coaching staff ahead of the start of the FIFA 2022 World Cup campaign.
"The opportunity to work in international football is something I'm thoroughly looking forward to and I'm looking forward to working with manager Stephen Kenny, his staff and the squad. I'd also like to thank Chelsea for helping facilitate this opportunity."
Former Accrington, Yeovil, Chester and Fleetwood midfielder Barry, 34, will serve as an assistant coach on Kenny's staff with Damien Duff having stood down from a similar role last month.
Duff and fellow former Ireland international Keith Andrews worked alongside the new manager last year as he launched his reign with a run of eight games without victory after replacing Mick McCarthy at the helm.
Kenny said: "I'd like to welcome Anthony to the Republic of Ireland team, he is an innovative coach with an energetic style and is someone I have been aware of for a few years now.
"The skill set Anthony brings will complement the existing coaching team and I look forward to him joining up in March ahead of the World Cup qualifiers."
Barry began his coaching career at Accrington before Paul Cook took him to Wigan as first-team coach.
Ireland are due to launch their Group A campaign in Serbia on March 24 before hosting Luxembourg three days later.
Thomas Tuchel is yet to taste defeat as Chelsea manager, as his side prepare to welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.
The clash between the two top-four hopefuls features in this week's Super 6 Extra round, where you could win £5,000 for free by predicting what will unfold when these two collide.
