Martin O'Neill has admitted his excitement at what lies ahead for the Republic of Ireland after agreeing to extend his stay as manager for the Euro 2020 campaign.
The Football Association of Ireland announced on Thursday evening that the 65-year-old, whose existing contract was due to expire at the end of the ongoing World Cup qualification process, has accepted a new deal.
It has also been reported that assistant Roy Keane and the rest of the coaching staff have joined him.
O'Neill's decision was announced just hours after he revealed he had opened talks with FAI chief executive John Delaney and hinted he was ready to stay on regardless of what happens in Friday night's Group D showdown with Moldova and Monday's trip to Wales which will determine Ireland's fate.
The former Celtic boss, who guided the Republic to last summer's Euro 2016 finals, told FAI TV: "I spoke to John very recently and he said on behalf of the board he would like to extend my contract for another couple of years, obviously with the Euros coming up, and I've agreed to do so.
"I'm delighted. I've enjoyed it immensely. International football was something I didn't know whether you'd get used to or not, but obviously with qualification for the Euros made it all worthwhile - and we're still in this competition also.
"We've some younger players coming through who will take over from the older players who will retire naturally from old age as much as anything else, so it's exciting times.''
The news was announced via the FAI's official Twitter account in a post which read: "Martin O'Neill has agreed a contract extension and will continue as the Republic of Ireland manager for the EURO 2020 campaign!''
