Steve Staunton is to turn to Kevin MacDonald as his coaching guru in the new Republic of Ireland set-up.
MacDonald, currently reserve-team coach at Aston Villa, is to take on the senior coaching role with the Republic.
The two men first crossed paths at Liverpool, however, with MacDonald in the twilight of his days at Anfield and with Staunton embarking on his career with the Reds.
Staunton also knows MacDonald well from his time at Aston Villa as the 45-year-old Scot has long been part of the backroom team.
While managers MacDonald has worked with at Villa Park have come and gone -Brian Little, John Gregory and Graham Taylor - he has remained part of the fixtures and fittings.
The pieces of the jigsaw are beginning to fall in place for Staunton, who is due to officially be unveiled by the Football Association of Ireland on Monday along with advisor and mentor Bobby Robson.
Staunton, who celebrates his 37th birthday in eight days' time, looks set to be handed a four-year contract, with Robson a two-year deal.
The FAI see that as ideal for Robson in order to ease Staunton, who has recently been coaching with Coca-Cola League One Walsall, into an unfamiliar role given his lack of managerial experience.
However, the FAI have entrusted Staunton with the task of appointing his own backroom team, despite Robson's welter of contacts from his many years in the game.
It was initially felt Robson would look to bring in John Carver, who was his assistant during his five years at Newcastle, and who is now head coach at Leeds.
But the FAI see it as vital there are no grey areas when it comes to the roles of Staunton and Robson, and have been drawing demarcation lines to that effect.
Staunton is the man in charge, with Robson to undertake whatever is required, a position he is believed to be more than happy with.
For Staunton, becoming manager will be the realisation of a life-long ambition, according to proud father Tom.
"He is elated, he is really, he is. He is thrilled, he is absolutely thrilled with it. He has a spring in his step again," said Staunton snr.
"I am very happy for him because that was his ambition, to play football, to play for his country and eventually manage and there it is. It has happened in my lifetime, so thanks be to God."
Staunton snr recalled how the speculation had mounted in recent months since former manager Brian Kerr lost his job in October after failing to qualify Ireland for this summer's World Cup finals.
"Within a few weeks his name was mentioned, and it was mentioned, and suddenly there he is," he added.
