John Barnes, the former Liverpool and England winger, has been named as the new coach of the Jamaica national team.

The 44-year-old, who was born in Kingston, will take up duties in November after agreeing a one-year deal with the Jamaica Football Federation.

Barnes takes over from Brazilian Rene Simoes, who was sacked as technical director last week.

"Mr Barnes will be in charge of the preparation of the national team for the Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) between 1 and 15 December and the Concacaf Gold Cup scheduled for June 2009,” a JFF statement said. "He will also be in charge of the final round of World Cup Qualifiers in 2009, should Jamaica advance to this stage of the competition.

"Mr Barnes' contract will be reviewed following the aforementioned events."

The post is Barnes' first job in management since an ill-fated spell in charge of Celtic in 1999-2000. During his playing days, Barnes was long tipped for a career as a manager but since leaving Parkhead he has concentrated largely on media work.

Horace Burrell, the JFF president, believes his appointment will also help increase the profile of the Jamaican side.

"When you are involved in international football you need an individual with international stature,” he said. “Having a coach of international repute opens a number of opportunities for our national team.

Barnes lived in Jamaica until his teens when his father, who served in the armed forces, was posted to England.

Theodore Whitmore, the former Hull and Tranmere midfielder, has been named interim coach for next month's World Cup crucial qualifiers against Mexico and Honduras. He will then stay on as Barnes' assistant.

Jamaica are currently last in their four-team World Cup qualifying group on one point from three games, with three games remaining.

Burrell said Jamaica will select their strongest squad for the upcoming matches, including Marlon King, Hull's on-loan Wigan striker, who was excluded by Simoes.