“So, yeah, that could be an option.”
Roy Keane has given the clearest indication yet that he he is interested in the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s job.
Keane has been linked with the position since Stephen Kenny’s contract expired at the end of the Euro 2024 campaign, which saw the team fail to qualify for the tournament this summer.
Lee Carsley, Neil Lennon, and Chris Hughton are reportedly the frontrunners to replace Kenny. Keane, however, appears to have tentatively thrown his name into the hat.
Keane says he would be interested in managing at international level.
On the latest episode of Stick to Football, Frank Lampard was a guest and spoke about his experience of managing Derby County, Chelsea and Everton.
Keane was also asked about his experience as a manager, which included spells at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.
The pair agreed that the extra elements of the job, such as dealing with the board and signing players, were difficult, but they enjoyed working with players and preparing the team for matchdays.
Jamie Carragher then asked the former Manchester United captain if he would be interested in the Ireland manager’s job and said that it would suit the Corkman.
Keane, who was Ireland’s assistant manager under Martin O’Neill between 2013 and 2018, didn’t disagree with his fellow Sky Sports pundit.
Keane speaks about Ireland job.
“For me, I always think about you with the Ireland job, whether that would work for you,” Carragher said on Stick to Football.
“Obviously, that wouldn’t be day-to-day. Would that be something that would interest you?
“Yeah, international football, I enjoyed it when I was a coach for a while,” Keane said.
“I like the dynamics of it, where you’re not in every day, and it’s not about bringing players in and I suppose dealing with the board every week or the academy.
“Yeah, that does appeal. 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.
“So, yeah, that could be an option.”
Keane’s career in management.
Keane started his managerial career with Sunderland in 2006 and was largely successful in the role.
The Irishman guided the Black Cats into the Premier League as Championship winners in his first season.
Sunderland then remained in the top flight in Keane’s second season. The Cork native left the club in December 2008, citing differences with owner Ellis Short.
Keane’s next job as a manager was with Ipswich between April 2009 and January 2011. He was then the Ireland assistant manager under O’Neill from 2013 to 2018.
Keane has not worked in coaching since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019, where he had been O’Neill’s assistant manager.
He has worked as a pundit for Sky Sports and ITV over the last few years.
Ireland are expected to announce a new manager before friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March.
Read next:
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- Roy Keane returns to Manchester United dressing room to discuss infamous post-match moment
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