IFA final choice more important than first choice for Gerard Lyttle

Lyttle insists he is ‘looking forward not back’ following confirmation this week of his appointment into a position the Irish FA announced as Diarmuid O’Carroll’s last Friday before a turnaround within 24 hours due to what was described as an ‘administrative error’.

O’Carroll has not completed his UEFA Pro Licence, considered ‘essential criteria’ on the application form - with Lyttle only concerned with a chance to ‘create success’.

“It’s not about first, second or third choice...it’s about the opportunity now for me to create success and I’m looking forward not back,” said Lyttle. “I’m thrilled, delighted and honoured to be offered the role and take on the challenges.

“My full attention is on what happens next and just consider the past few days part and parcel of football.

“Things can change very quickly in football and it’s actually something important to preach to our young players - the importance of always being prepared and ready for whatever may happen.”

Lyttle brings to the position experience as a former player, Irish League and League of Ireland club manager and from extensive time developing Northern Ireland underage internationals.

An immediate goal is next month’s three-game UEFA U19 European Championship qualifiers run in Sweden from March 24-30.

“We have a wonderful network of coaching staff, scouts and contacts so I’m getting in touch with everyone and working on preparations for Sweden,” said Lyttle. “My attention is not only on our players working so hard on building professional careers at clubs in England and Scotland but also on the exciting talents within our Irish League.

“I’ll be drawing on my background, experience and connections everywhere and certainly not taking my eye off the Irish League...or any other area.”

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