Morling, the current Player Development Manager for the FAI is an ex-Norwich trainee and he had a long and successful spell with Peterborough United where he held a number of coaching positions including first-team coach and reserve manager.

“Obviously this is a massive challenge for me but I am looking forward to getting started in the job and the first game cannot come soon enough," Morling said.

FAI Chief Executive Officer John Delaney congratulated Morling on his new role: “I wish John every success in his new position and I have no doubt that he will be a worthy successor to Vincent Butler who has given tremendous service to the underage game for the last 12 years.”