Chris Hughton's wealth of managerial experience and track record at improving teams may tip the scales in his favour in becoming the next Republic of Ireland manager, according to Stephen Kelly.
At last weekend's FAI AGM, CEO Jonathan Hill indicated that the association was not in any rush to make an appointment, stating that the plan is to have someone in place ahead of the March international window.
Lee Carsley, Sam Allardyce, Chris Hughton, Steve Bruce and Neil Lennon are among those linked with the position, with recent reports suggesting England Under-21 manager Carsley and Ghana head coach Hughton are at the front of the queue.
Speaking on RTÉ 2fm’s Game On, former Republic of Ireland defender Kelly said either of the two favourites to replace Kenny would be welcomed, adding that Hughton’s track record may prove decisive.
Having served his time under several managers at Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Brian Kerr with the Republic of Ireland, Hughton cut his teeth in management at Newcastle United in 2008, leading them back to Premier League football.
Since then he has had varying levels of success with Birmingham City, Norwich City, Brighton and Nottingham Forest, before assuming the Ghana hotseat earlier this year after previously holding a technical advisor role with the Black Stars.
The 65-year-old is currently preparing for the African Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast next month.
Kelly, who worked under Hughton during his time with Spurs, says there is a common misconception regarding Hughton.
"People will think Chris is a throwback, but he’s not an old-school manager," he said. "Chris is a scholar of the game, constantly learning, constantly improving.
"He has a wealth of experience. You just have to look at what he has done with teams in and around the Championship, and that’s where I’d put our team (Ireland), a top-end Championship side, who he could get the best out of.
"Hughton has done that with Newcastle, done amazing things with Birmingham City (got the club to the play-offs in his only season in charge), put Brighton into the position they are in now.
"I think he’s someone that could really work and with his wealth of experience, it might be the way to go."
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