O'Neill and Keane agree new Republic of Ireland contracts

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has agreed a new contract to remain in charge of the team until the 2018 World Cup.

The former Aston Villa boss is preparing to lead the 'Boys in Green' at his first major tournament havng qualified for Euro 2016 via the play-offs.

And O'Neill, along with assistant Roy Keane and the remainder of his staff, will stay in their posts after the finals in France.

"I am delighted that John Delaney and the FAI Board have extended our contracts for the World Cup campaign,” O'Neill said in a statement

“It has been an absolute privilege to have been in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team, these last 30 months, and we go to France tomorrow in good spirits, with a strong desire to do well in the next few weeks.

“The players have done brilliantly in the campaign so far and they are ready for the big challenges ahead.”

Ireland begin Euro 2016 with a match against Sweden on June 13 before facing Belgium and Italy in Group E.