FORMER Northern Ireland star Jim Magilton has agreed to fill the assistant manager's post at Shamrock Rovers on a temporary basis.

The ex-Ipswich Town and QPR boss was an international team-mate of Hoops manager Michael O’Neill and has stepped into the role to fill the void left by Trevor Croly's departure last week.

Magilton was well known as a player with Liverpool, Oxford United, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich - where he started his managerial career. 

While O'Neill considers his options in terms of a longer term appointment, Magilton will work with the Airtricity League Champions.

O’Neill said: “I thought Jim's other commitments in Northern Ireland and the UK would prevent him helping me at this crucial stage of the season. I was delighted when he said he would assist me until I find the right candidate for the job on a permanent basis.

“He brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience of the game at the highest level, but he is someone I trust implicitly, and that was a key factor in my decision.”