Soccer:Former Northern Ireland international Michael O'Neill was officially unveiled as the new manager of Shamrock Rovers at today's press conference in the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght.

O'Neill comes into the job as Pat Scully's replacement after he stepped away from the role towards the end of last season.

Since hanging up his boots O'Neill has cut his managerial teeth in the lower divisions in Scotland. He first became assistant manager at Cowdenbeath before taking over as manager at Brechin City in 2006, where he took them to the promotion play-offs in his first full season.

"Not many jobs would bring me back to Ireland after being away for so long. But when the Shamrock Rovers job came up it was too good an opportunity to be missed," said O'Neill, who was named manager of the month for October.

"Obviously it's an exciting time for the club with the move to Tallaght on the horizon. After 21 years leading a nomadic existence it's an important moment for the club.

"But most of all I'm looking forward to getting down to working with the players, and re-establishing Shamrock Rovers as the top club in the League Ireland."

Rovers' Chairman, Jonathan Roche was delighted to have signed O'Neill: "Michael brings an awful lot to the table. He's very highly thought of in Scotland and we are delighted to have signed him," said Roche.

"He also appreciates what we're doing beyond football at Shamrock Rovers. We have a strong community focus at all levels, from our schoolboys to the senior team.

"We feel Rovers is a role model for Irish football clubs, and in partnership with the South Dublin County Council we want to make Tallaght Stadium the place to be."

O'Neill's playing experience saw him win 33 international caps and score seven goals plus he spent time playing for Newcastle United, Dundee United, Hibernian and Coventry City.