New U21 boss King sets sights on Estonia

NOEL KING yesterday expressed his delight after his appointment as manager of the Republic of Ireland U21 team.

The former Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Limerick and Finn Harps boss will take charge of the U21s for the first time on August 10 when the team welcome Estonia at Tallaght Stadium for a European Championship qualifying match against Estonia.

King was named coach of the Irish women’s senior team in 2000 and guided the U17s women’s side to second place at the European Championships and qualification for September’s World Cup finals last month. He will continue his role as manager of the U17s women’s side for the duration of the World Cup, with International Performance Director Wim Koevermans taking temporary charge of the U21 squad for matches away to Switzerland on September 3 and Turkey on September 7.