Hakeem Shakir, the caretaker coach of the Iraqi national team, has been named as its permanent head coach by the Iraq FA on Friday, according to the Asian Football Confederation’s official website.

The 49-year-old coach, who took over after Brazilian coach Zico resigned in November, led the side to runners-up spot in the West Asian Football Federation Championships on December 20.

Prior to his appointment, Shakir helped take the U19 Iraq squad to the final of the 2012 AFC U19 Championship, where they lost to South Korea on penalties.

His first task as head coach will be the 2013 Gulf Cup starting next week in Bahrain. 

To contact the reporter on this story: Chris Derbuc at [email protected]