Jimmy Nicholl appointed Northern Ireland assistant manager

Former Manchester United and Rangers defender Jimmy Nicholl has been appointed Northern Ireland's assistant manager.

The 58-year-old replaces Billy McKinlay, who left Michael O'Neill's coaching setup last September.

He will continue to manage Scottish Championship side Cowdenbeath while helping the Irish to qualify for Euro 2016.

Nicholl won 73 caps as a player for Northern Ireland and took part in both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.

"I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jimmy on board," O'Neill is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"He has vast experience as a player and a coach and, having been capped 73 times, he knows what it means to play for Northern Ireland and what an honour it is."

Northern Ireland are back in action on March 25 when they travel to Scotland for a friendly.