ENGLAND U21 boss Lee Carsley has rejected the chance to become Republic of Ireland boss as he looks to succeed Gareth Southgate.
Former Everton midfielder Carsley, 49, guided the Three Lions’ youth side to Euros glory last summer.
That triumph has seen the Irish FA take a keen interest in him being brought in as their new head coach following the departure of Stephen Kenny in November.
It is understood he has been offered a contract to take charge of the national team for the next two qualification campaigns – encompassing the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028.
But according to The Mail, Carsley, who earned 40 caps for Ireland, has turned the opportunity down.
This is because he believes he is in the frame to take over from England boss Southgate when his contract expires in December.
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Carsley is one of a handful of candidates being tipped for the job along with ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
And turning down the Ireland vacancy is the clearest sign yet that Carsley is pursuing the England role.
It also means Irish FA will have to look elsewhere for their next manager.
Bayern Munich assistant Anthony Barry is one name being reported.
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Legendary Ireland and Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has also thrown his hat into the ring.
When asked on Stick to Football earlier this week whether he would consider the Irish job, he said: “Yes, I enjoyed international football when I was a coach there.
“I like the dynamics of it where you’re not in every day and it’s not about bringing players in and dealing with the board every week.
“That does appeal to me, I did enjoy the dynamics when I was coaching with the Irish team – that could be an option.”
Keane was assistant manager of Ireland under Martin O’Neil from 2013 to 2018.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
