Neil Lennon and Kieran McKenna in mix if Republic axe Stephen Kenny
Kieran McKenna has impressed at Ipswich Town
Neil Lennon has said he is interested in international management
Northern Ireland coaches Neil Lennon and Kieran McKenna are among the contenders for the next Republic of Ireland boss should the axe fall on Stephen Kenny.
The Republic suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands at the weekend, a loss which all but ends their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024.
Former Republic international Lee Carsley is the frontrunner to replace Kenny as pressure mounts on the ex-Derry City supremo. But Ulstermen Lennon and McKenna are also being discussed among Irish chiefs craving a revival in fortunes.
Former Northern Ireland midfielder Lennon has indicated he would consider a managerial role at international level.
The Lurgan man, who was sacked by Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia almost a year ago, has an impressive coaching CV including significant success with Celtic.
Enniskillen man McKenna is another coach who could interest FAI chiefs.
The Ipswich Town boss worked at Tottenham Hotspur and then Manchester United where he was assistant to Jose Mourinho and recently has put the Tractor Boys in the promotion hunt in the Championship as they sit second after five games.
An international opportunity may not appeal to McKenna at this stage of the 37-year-old’s career but it’s easy to see why the FAI would consider making a move.
Former Everton midfielder and current England Under-21 boss Carsley is favourite for now and he earned 40 caps as an Irish international between 1998 and 2008.
Irish defender Liam Scales, meanwhile, has made Celtic’s Champions League squad — with three other defenders missing the cut.
The 25-year-old former Shamrock Rovers defender has broken into the Celtic first team
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