The Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 qualification rivals Georgia have appointed Kakha Tskhadadze as their new manager.
Tskhadadze has been handed a two-and-a-half year contract and replaces Temuri Ketsbaia who resigned following the 4-0 defeat to Poland in November.
The 46-year-old will also remain in charge of Azerbaijani side Inter Baku PIK until the summer.
"I trust the lads and want to tell them they're great and capable of winning and qualifying for major tournaments," he told www.uefa.com.
"Being head of your national team is the biggest job you can get as a coach, a dream for anyone.
"I'm glad I'll have a chance to contribute to football's development in my country."
Martin O'Neill's Ireland side beat Georgia 2-1 in September courtesy of a last minute goal from Aiden McGeady, the return match takes place in September 2015 at the Aviva Stadium.
