Lee Carsley rules himself out of the running for Ireland job
Lee Carsley has ruled himself out of the running to take over as the Republic of Ireland's permanent manager.
FAI director of football Marc Canham had stated that a new Ireland boss will be announced in “early April” due to the "existing contractual obligations" of their target, with John O'Shea therefore taking charge of the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland on an interim basis.
Carsley had been tipped to succeed Stephen Kenny after his England U-21 side's Euro 2025 qualifiers this month but in an interview with the Daily Mail, the former Ireland international, who confirmed he met with the FAI back in November, committed his future to the young lions.
"We had an initial conversation in November. I went to speak to them (the FAI). Really informal, enjoyable, for around an hour. It went no further," Carsley told Mail Sport.
"It was good to see what their thoughts were and to explore whether I was ready to take that next step. It just went no further. I didn’t push it.
"I’ve always said that I’m really privileged to do this job I’m in. I appreciate that I’m in a really good position with a lot of responsibility.
"There was a feeling that I would go and do a senior job after the summer but speaking to John McDermott and other people, I’m committed to this campaign.
"At some point, maybe it’s something I’ll do. I didn’t need convincing. I see myself as a development coach. I’ve not put myself out there, applying for jobs or anything.
"I definitely wouldn’t go down that route with the position I’m in and how lucky I am."
Read on irishexaminer.com
