The 49-year-old Dubliner was given the nod for the top job ahead of several higher-profile candidates including Bryan Robson, John Aldridge and Peter Reid.

Kerr takes over two games into Ireland’s Euro 2004 qualifying campaign. They are yet to collect a point in a group including Switzerland and Russia.

His first match in charge will be a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on February 12.

Details of his contract with the FAI will be revealed at a press conference at Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel later today.

Kerr put himself forward for the vacancy following the resignation of McCarthy last November after six years in the job.

It is understood that Kerr won a 2-1 vote from an FAI selection panel to get the job ahead of former Middlesbrough boss Robson.

Among the others who applied were former Sunderland boss Reid, former Manchester United centre-half Kevin Moran, ex-Tranmere boss Aldridge and Frenchman Philippe Troussier, Japan’s manager at last summer’s World Cup finals.

Kerr, who is expected to name Chris Hughton as his part-time assistant, takes on the role after six years in charge of the youth set-up.

During his time working with the youngsters he has successfully introduced the likes of Robbie Keane, John O’Shea and Damien Duff to the international scene.

And last week his latest batch of Under-20s won the four-nation tournament in Abu Dhabi against host nation United Arab Emirates, South Korea and France.

Kerr’s charges are due to return to the UAE in March-April for the Under-20 World Cup finals.

Former Ireland international Ray Houghton believes the appointment is a good one, especially considering some of the other candidates involved.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Houghton, who famously scored the goal which beat Italy 1-0 in New York during the 1994 World Cup finals, told Sky Sports News: "It’s no real surprise and I am sorry for the other candidates.

"They were all quality and we have got to wait and see and give Brian Kerr time; he has to take advantage of the opportunity.

"He worked with the likes of Damien Duff and Robbie Keane, so he knows the younger players who are now playing in the senior side.

"He is a very good coach and it is just whether he adjusts to the fact that these players are now men and multi-millionaires."

One of the most controversial issues involving Ireland in recent times has been McCarthy’s highly-publicised row with Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane.

Keane was sent home from the squad’s World Cup training base in the Far East last year and he has not represented the country since.

Houghton however believes it is unlikely that Keane will return to the fold now that a new manager has been appointed.

He added: "I don’t think even [ex-Manchester United captain] Bryan Robson would have tempted Roy Keane back, so it’s a dead duck as far as I am concerned.

"He has just got to get on with the job.

"I am sure all he wants to do now is let everyone know he is the new man and get himself and the players ready for the games ahead.

"I don’t think he would be blamed if we don’t get there [to Euro 2004], but he could be a hero if Ireland get through."