Liam Brady has agreed a two-year contract to serve as an assistant coach under new Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said.

"The 52-year-old will join Marco Tardelli and Fausto Rossi as part of Trapattoni's backroom team," the FAI said in a statement. "Having won 72 caps for Ireland between 1974 and 1990, he is looking forward to being involved with the senior international team again."

The former Ireland midfielder, who played with Tardelli at Juventus, will combine the new job with his current role as head of youth development at Arsenal.

"I had a meeting with Giovanni Trapattoni last week during which he clarified my role and I am very happy with what he expects of me," Brady said. "He wants me to work with the players, which is of most interest to me, and also to be on the bench and in the dressing room during games. He sees me as someone he can talk to along with Marco Tardelli."

Brady, who has an option to renew the contract for a further two years, said he would also be part of the national side's scouting network.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney thanked Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger for allowing Brady to take on the job.

"Liam Brady is one of the greatest players that this country has ever produced," Delaney said. "He has an important role to play and I think it is a very good appointment by Giovanni Trapattoni."