Steve Staunton handed Sunderland backroom staff role
Last updated on .From the section Football
Sunderland have handed former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton a scouting role with the club's backroom staff.
The 42-year-old, who had a spell in charge of north-east neighbours Darlington, will scout upcoming opponents for boss Steve Bruce.
"We are looking to Steve to bring a high level of expertise based on his experience," said Bruce.
"He joins a very experienced backroom team here at Sunderland."
As a player Staunton broke his country's international appearance record with 102 caps for the Republic, as well as playing 600 times in all competitions for clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Coventry City.
Following his retirement in 2006, Staunton had an ill-fated spell in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team, which ended after they failed to qualify for the 2008 European Championships.
He was then offered the post at Darlington, following a spell as assistant to Gary McAllister at Leeds, but left after five months with the Quakers facing relegation to the Blue Square Bet Premier.
