The 37-year-old is part of Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill’s backroom coaching team.
Killarney native Diarmuid O’Carroll has been appointed as Newcastle United’s U21 team manager.
O’Carroll will leave his role as assistant to Stephen Robinson at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren to take charge of the Magpies’ youngsters.
The Irishman will continue his role within the Northern Ireland setup and will be assisted by current Head of Coach Development at Newcastle United, Jack Ross.
Speaking in an interview posted to the club’s website, O’Carroll said: “I’m really excited to come in.
“It’s a role I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into. The club speaks for itself in terms of the size, stature and fanbase.
“It’s a really exciting time now as well with the ownership and everything that is planned going forward. The opportunity to come in is something I would’ve never expected, but when it come across my desk, it was a really exciting one and a quick process.”
🤝 Diarmuid O'Carroll joins as U21s Lead Coach.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 24, 2024
Welcome to #NUFC, Diarmuid. ⤵️
Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s sporting director, said: “Diarmuid is a very highly regarded coach and is a great fit for the profile we have been looking to recruit.
“He has amassed a wealth of experience during the formative years of his coaching career, working across youth, men’s and women’s club football and at international level.
“The Academy is a cornerstone of our sporting strategy, and Diarmuid’s role is a crucial one in preparing players for the next significant step in their development journeys.
“The Academy has produced exceptional players over recent years, and we look forward to supporting Steve Harper, Diarmuid and our Academy team in continuing to build on that excellent record.”
O’Carroll was a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international and won Irish Premiership winners’ medals with Belfast sides Crusaders and Cliftonville during his playing career.
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Stephen Robinson wished his departing assistant success in his new role and thanked him for his efforts during his time at St Mirren.
“Diarmuid has been excellent for us,” the manager told stmirren.com.
“An opportunity arose and it’s a terrific opportunity for him. We wish him nothing but success and we thank him for the part he has played in our relative success as well.
“Brian Kerr will be moving up to assistant manager. As any good club with organisation does, you prepare for these things. Brian was already in place and has worked with the first team for the last year as well. He will be a fantastic replacement for Diarmuid.
“We will appoint a new Head of Transition Phase and first team coach. We again thank Diarmuid for his hard work and wish him nothing but success.”
