Don Givens has been handed a new two-year contract as manager of the Republic of Ireland Under-21s. The former Ireland striker, who took charge of the team in February 2000, will sign the extension to his current contract next week.
Givens announced the news as he returned to the town where he began his coaching career in 1987, Neuchatel. Ireland's Under-21 team will face their Swiss counterparts there in tomorrow night's final European Championship qualifier.
Givens played for the last eight years of his career at Neuchatel Xamax, and when he finally retired he went on to coach the club for two years.
"I had a fantastic eight years in Neuchatel and it was a great end to my career," said Givens. "I have still got a lot of friends there and am looking forward to seeing them again tomorrow night.
"This is a happy time for me. My contract is all sorted now and I shall be signing it next week."
Givens' team are out of the qualifying race and so will use tomorrow's match to have a glimpse into the future, as 14 of his 18-strong squad are eligible to play in the Under-20 World Cup in November and December in the United Arab Emirates.
"We are taking a look at next year's crop of players," said Givens. "This gives Gerry Smyth, the under-20s manager, the chance to have a look at some of his lads on this stage."
Two players who will make their debut tomorrow are Blackburn defender John Fitzgerald and Bolton striker Jon Walters.
The team will also include the experience of Sunderland's Sean Thornton in midfield and Nottingham Forest defender John Thompson, as they aim to build on a six-match unbeaten run.