I wasn’t really in mix for Republic job, says Lennon

NEIL Lennon was flattered by being linked to the managerial post at the Republic of Ireland before Mick McCarthy’s appointment, but stressed he is satisfied being Hibernian boss.

Martin O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane left their roles with the FAI earlier in the week and the Easter Road manager emerged as a long shot.

Lurgan man Lennon (below), who worked under Kilrea man O’Neill at Leicester and Celtic, played 40 times for Northern Ireland between 1994 and 2002.

Ahead of the visit of Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership today, and before McCarthy landed the Republic role, the 47-year old said: “I am in a very good job here and I am just concentrating on that at the minute.

“It is just speculation. I am flattered if there is a link, I have not seen nor heard anything regarding myself, all I have been doing is concentrating on us getting back into winning form because that is important.

“I am sorry to see Martin go because he had such a huge influence on my career, 10 years I played under him. He did some brilliant things with the Republic and I am sure he will come again because he is brilliant.

“He did say he was looking for his next challenge or adventure so he obviously has still got the hunger, and you can see it constantly on the touchline.

“His competitive record with Ireland wasn’t that bad. It is part of the job, some things come to an end, nothing lasts forever and I’m sure he’ll be back. I hope so.”

Hibs’ 1-0 defeat at Aberdeen before the international break means they have gone four matches without a win — and three without a goal.