Liam Brady has stepped down as Ireland's assistant manager. The decision is a big blow to manager Giovanni Trapattoni and his other assistant Marco Tardelli who were heavily dependent on the former Arsenal and Ireland star who is fluent in Italian.

Brady says his work as Director of Youth Development at Arsenal will be his major commitment from now on and that he is no longer able to share the workload with the Ireland job.

Brady stated "The Ireland role required me to be away a lot of time and although Arsenal made clear they would have been quite happy for me to continue, I have decided it is not right in the circumstances to remain in position after I complete my contract this April. I thank the FAI and everyone in the Irish set-up. It has been a great personal experience for me and I wish Giovanni, Marco and all the players all the very best for the coming campaign."

Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Liam has been a great asset to the Ireland management team and we will all be sorry to see him go after his last match with us against Brazil in the Emirates Stadium. He has done a great job here and I know all of the players join me in wishing him every continued success at Arsenal."

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said: "Liam is a legend of Irish football and a gentleman to work with. He has impressed everyone here at the Association with his dedication and commitment. His lifetime of experience at the highest levels in the game, in Italy, England and Ireland, brought a necessary dynamic to the original building of the team and contributed significantly to the success of the last campaign. We wish him all the very best in his continuing role at Arsenal."

Brady’s last game as the Ireland Assistant Manager will be the March 2 friendly against Brazil in London.