Kerry native Diarmuid O'Carroll rising through the coaching ranks

After the Newcastle U21s allowed him to see the inner workings of a top Premier League club, working at Sparta brings the expectation of a club with a Czech-record 38 league titles. After Sunday's 1-1 draw with rivals Slavia, they sit one point clear at the top of the table.

RISING THROUGH THE RANKS:When Northern Ireland were in Copenhagen for June's friendly against Denmark, Michael O'Neill's assistant Diarmuid O'Carroll took the opportunity to finalise the next move in his unique coaching journey. Pic: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images

When Northern Ireland were in Copenhagen for June's friendly against Denmark, Michael O'Neill's assistant Diarmuid O'Carroll took the opportunity to finalise the next move in his unique coaching journey.

Since ending a playing career that saw him play in England and Scotland before spells with Glenavon, Cliftonville and Crusaders, the 38-year-old former Republic of Ireland U21 international has already coached in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States.