Shin Tae-yong has been appointed as Korea Republic head coach

Former Korea Republic U-20 and U-23 coach Shin Tae-yong is to take charge of the country's senior team, it was announced on Tuesday.

The Korea Football Association's Technical Committee, led by Kim Ho-gon, said Shin will lead the team through the 2018 FIFA World Cup, should Korea Republic qualify for the tournament.

Shin replaces Uli Stielike, who was sacked last month after Korea Republic's 3-2 loss to Qatar in a World Cup qualifier.

With only two matches remaining, the Taeguk Warriors have an automatic qualification to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in their sights. They currently occupy second spot in Group A with 13 points, seven behind the Islamic Republic of Iran, who have already qualified, and one ahead of Uzbekistan.

Korea Republic will host the Iranians on August 31 and face Uzbekistan in Tashkent five days later. Only the top two teams from each of the two qualifying groups are guaranteed places at next year's World Cup in Russia.