New Republic of Ireland coach Stephen Kenny says Everton defender Seamus Coleman will remain captain.

Kenny admits he's already in regular contact with Coleman.

“The one thing I have done, the only player I have contacted, is Seamus Coleman, as captain," Kenny explained.

“I want to be fair and try and treat everyone as equally as I can and not be ringing some players and not others.

“I rang Seamus, as captain, just to reassure him that he will indeed be the captain of Ireland under my tenure as well. He will continue to be captain of Ireland.

“The reason being that every value he has as a man and a player — the way he prepares and applies himself — I admire. He's a great ambassador. But ambassador is one thing. I just think his preparation, how he carries himself, his overall commitment to Irish football, makes him an absolute standout captain for us, that's how I view it."