Noel King has been appointed the Republic of Ireland's interim senior manager, the Football Association of Ireland has confirmed.

The current Under-21s boss has been asked to take over as the FAI board continues to consider its options as it looks for a replacement for Giovanni Trapattoni.

King's appointment was announced after a board meeting on Monday evening, at which it was also agreed that former international Ray Houghton, who was involved in the last managerial appointment process, and Ruud Dokter, the FAI's newly-appointed high performance director should carry out a comprehensive assessment of the managerial market in an attempt to identify the best man for the job on a permanent basis.

The developments were confirmed in a statement released by the FAI on Monday night.

It said: "The FAI's Board of Management met this evening to review the work it has been doing on the senior men's team managerial appointment and to progress the next steps in the appointment process.

"After considering the views of people within the game and taking soundings from its constituent members, the Board tonight decided that the next steps should include a comprehensive assessment of the market.

"It was agreed at the meeting that former international Ray Houghton, who was involved in the last managerial appointment process and Ruud Dokter, the FAI's newly-appointed High Performance Director, should carry out this on-going assessment and report for the Board.

"The Board of Management also decided that it will appoint its current Under-21s head coach, Noel King, as interim senior manager. Ruud Dokter will provide additional support."

Ireland face Germany in Cologne and Kazakhstan in Dublin in their final two World Cup qualifiers next month knowing that their chances of making it to Brazil next summer are purely mathematical.

King's assistant Harry McCue will take charge of the Under-21s' qualification double-header against Romania, which is also scheduled for next month.

Trapattoni's five-and-a-half-year reign came to an end last month after defeats by Sweden and Austria left them in fourth place in Group C.

Former Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill was swiftly installed as the bookmakers' favourite to replace the 74-year-old Italian even before it emerged that he was the FAI's number one target, although with businessman Denis O'Brien ready to continue his financial support, there is no appetite to rush the process of finding a replacement for Trapattoni.

The statement continued: "The Board of Management resolved that it will take the appropriate time to appoint the best person to manage Ireland for the Euro 2016 campaign, which starts in September next year.

"They also wished Noel King and Harry McCue well in their interim roles.

"Noel has an excellent track record with the Association and is well respected throughout the game.

"He has worked first hand with many current senior players during their time at Under-21 level, including Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy, Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick."