Ex-Northern Ireland skipper Neil Lennon set to be granted ‘first-choice’ Republic of Ireland job
Former Northern Ireland captain Neil Lennon is the frontrunner for the Republic of Ireland manager's post
Former Northern Ireland captain Neil Lennon has confirmed once again he is ready to take over as Republic of Ireland manager after he emerged as the leading contender to land the role.
FAI chiefs were believed to be confident of luring former Republic midfielder and current England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley to take over from Stephen Kenny.
But English FA sources have confirmed Carsley will not be taking the Republic job.
Lennon has now emerged as the frontrunner with a decision imminent.
“It’s a job that appeals to me,” confirmed the Lurgan native and former Celtic manager on Saturday.
“I achieved one ambition by playing for and managing Celtic. If I was going to go down the international route, then Ireland would be my first choice.
“Like all these jobs, and I know this from my own experience, there are millions of candidates who would love a job like this, millions of candidates who would love club jobs as well.
“I’ve just got to be patient and wait and see what decision they come to.”
Roy Keane made a late bid to be considered for the Republic job by confirming he would take on the role but was never a serious contender.
Lennon would now appear to be the likely candidate amid suggestions that he will hold talks with the FAI.
Read on belfasttelegraph.co.uk
