Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has been named coach of the Faroe Islands.

The 56-year-old, who left the Republic job in October 2005 after the FAI opted not to renew his contract, will assume his new position immediately.

The Faroe Islands lie bottom of World Cup qualifying Group Seven, with their only point from four games so far having come from a 1-1 draw at home to Austria last October.

Federation president Hogni i Storustovu was thrilled to have secured Kerr's services.

"When we began the search for a new coach we decided that we required a highly qualified and experienced coach to help drive football in the Faroe Islands forward and in Brian Kerr I believe that we now have such a man," he said.

"Brian Kerr's record shows that he can be successful and achieve results as well as building a foundation for the future.

"We have no doubt that he will bring his enthusiasm and passion to the national team and we are delighted that he has agreed to become the coach.

"Brian Kerr is a well known, successful and passionate coach. He will have the full support of the background staff in the FA and we are very happy to have him on board and are looking forward to working with him."

Last year Kerr left his role as St Patrick's director of football, having also previously been the FAI technical director.