Mick McCarthy has been appointed as the manager of Cardiff City, the English second-tier club announced Friday.

The former Republic of Ireland, Sunderland and Wolves boss succeeds Neil Harris, who left on Thursday following six successive defeats.

Experienced manager McCarthy, 61, was available to take the Cardiff job after parting company with Cypriot club APOEL Nicosia on January 6 following just nine games and two months in charge.

"I'm delighted to be here," McCarthy told Cardiff City TV. "I'm thrilled by the opportunity.

"I want to get the club back to winning games and I want to get smiles back on the players' faces. If we do that, then we'll get smiles back on the fans.

"We've got a good squad of players and I'm looking forward to getting down to work."

Although based in the Welsh capital, Cardiff have long competed in English domestic league and cup competitions.