skip to main content

Roy Keane leaves door open to return but Chris Hughton not among Ireland manager contenders

Roy Keane is currently working a pundit but not has not ruled out a return to management
Roy Keane is currently working a pundit but not has not ruled out a return to management

Roy Keane has left the door open to a return to working with the Republic of Ireland again in the future.

The FAI are entering the closing stages of the recruitment process for a new Ireland manager, with Lee Carsley strongly linked with the role.

RTÉ Sport understands that Chris Hughton is not among the contenders to succeed Stephen Kenny.

Hughton has been dismissed as coach of Ghana, after a disappointing campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana finished third in Group B, with 2 draws and one defeat from their three games. That record was not good enough for them to progress to the last 16 as one of the best third placed teams.

The FAI are still hoping to have Kenny's successor in place for the Nations League draw in Paris on 8 February.

The Republic of Ireland have two home March friendlies, against Belgium and Switzerland.

While unlikely to feature in the upcoming appointment, Keane admitted he could revisit a role with Ireland having served as assistant to Martin O'Neill for five years.

He told the Stick to Football podcast: "Yes, I enjoyed international football when I was a coach there.

"I like the dynamics of it where you’re not in everyday and it’s not about bringing players in and dealing with the board every week and the academy.

"That does appeal to me. I did like the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin with the Irish team.

"We had a little bit of success, and when you've had a little bit of success, then it's brilliant, and obviously there are disappointments.

"That could be an option."

The former Ireland captain has managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town but has focused predominantly on punditry in recent years.

Keane has not been involved in coaching since exiting Nottingham Forest in 2019 where he again worked with O’Neill.

Carsley is under contract with the English FA as Under-21 manager with former Celtic boss Neil Lennon also under consideration for the position.

Additional reporting: David Kelly

Read Next