Former Linfield and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Alan Mannus has taken up a new role with the Irish FA.
The 40-year-old has been appointed as the IFA's new Goalkeeping Coach Educator and will help support coaches at all levels of the game here.
He will combine the role with playing for current club Shamrock Rovers in the upcoming League of Ireland season.
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Mannus said: “I believe good coaching is essential when developing players and I will be aiming to use my experience to help goalkeeping coaches from Northern Ireland and beyond to improve standards and practices, which in turn will help to develop players.
"I have always intended to give something back and do my part in helping to develop goalkeepers in Northern Ireland.
"Having gone through the process myself I understand the challenges they face, and I am confident that I can help them develop to reach their potential."
Mannus started his career with Linfield where he spent nine years, winning five league titles and four Irish Cups. He was also named Ulster Footballer of the Year in 2007-08.
The ex-international shot-stopper - who won nine caps for his country - went on to have two spells with Shamrock Rovers, and also won the Scottish Cup with St Johnstone in 2014.
Sean-Paul Murray, Head of Coach Education with the association, added: “Alan joins us with a wealth of high performance experience, having played at the highest level of the game, including nine senior caps for Northern Ireland.
“This is a newly created role that will complement the Coach Education Department and the development of goalkeeping coaching at all levels.”
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