SAM ALLARDYCE and Steve Bruce have reportedly entered the race to become Republic of Ireland manager.
The Boys in Green are still without a boss after Stephen Kenny’s departure last month.
Kenny was dismissed following Ireland’s disastrous Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
According to the Daily Mail, Allardyce and Bruce have now thrown their names into the hat to replace him.
However, Bayern Munich assistant manager Anthony Barry is understood to be the current favourite for the job.
Barry, who began his coaching career with Wigan, previously worked with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea before joining him in Germany in April.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
He had also been assistant to Frank Lampard and Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge during his time with the club.
The 37-year-old already has links to Ireland as well, having spent a year as Kenny’s assistant before joining Roberto Martinez’s Belgium coaching staff.
Barry has since joined Martinez with the Portuguese national team alongside his work with Tuchel’s Bayern.
Ireland would face competition to secure his services, though, with Premier League and Championship clubs targeting him in the past.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
As for Bruce and Allardyce, both former top-flight bosses are currently out of work.
Bruce is said to be “itching” to return to management after leaving West Brom last October.
He has also claimed the Ireland job “would suit me” as he eyes a switch to international football.
Meanwhile, former England manager Allardyce’s last spell in the dugout saw him take charge of Leeds’ final four matches of last season, where he failed to keep them in the Premier League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
