The 37-year-old, capped 110 times before retiring in 2012, is expected to assist underage international managers Tom Mohan and Paul Doolin with coaching duties for the U17 and U18 squads.

Kilbane has made public his desire to progress into management, illustrated by the time he’d expended on gaining coaching qualifications. It was while working to attain his Pro License badge, the highest grade under Uefa’s syllabus, that Kilbane met with the FAI’s High Performance Director Ruud Dokter in Nyon a fortnight ago.

An invitation to meet with Dokter again, along with chief executive John Delaney, in Dublin last week was accepted by Kilbane and all that’s left is to iron out are the finer points of his part-time role.

It is understood the former Everton player will combine his ongoing television media duties with the new position.

This will be Kilbane’s first standalone coaching role, as he actedas reserve team manager at Hull City in early 2012 under Nicky Barmby while still playing for the Tigers.

That same year, he turned down the chance of becoming manager of Sligo Rovers a month before the League of Ireland campaign kicked off.

Limerick were also unsuccessful in luring Kilbane into management last year.

Kilbane’s appointment will please Ireland captain Robbie Keane, who has bemoaned the lack of former internationals within the underage structures in Ireland.

With 537 club appearances to his name, young Irish players should benefit handsomely from the newcomer’s experience.