Principled Lee won’t be boss, says Kerr

BRIAN KERR believes Lee Carsley will put principle first and allow the opportunity to manage the Republic of Ireland manager to pass, at this time. After Shay Given revealed on Tuesday night it was his ‘understanding’ that Carsley was staying put with the English U21s, Kerr followed up on Virgin Media last night. ‘I believe Lee Carsley won’t be taking the job,’ said the former Irish manager. ‘I suspect one of the reasons is that he’s a very loyal and principled fellah. I believe he wouldn’t break the deal he has with the English FA. ‘That’s the sort of fellah he is and why he has such a high reputation around the game,’ said Kerr, who ruled Chris Hughton, his former No 2 with Ireland, out of the running ‘It won’t be Chris Hughton. Chris had two very intense years with Ghana. AFCON didn’t go well for him. He wants a break,’ he said. While recognising the FAI have kept a lid on speculation who will follow Stephen Kenny as manager, Kerr stressed the need to make an appointment — Kenny departed three months ago ‘It has gone on a long time. We do need someone soon. Matches are coming in March. You have to think they have someone in mind. You don’t want to be appointing a temporary manager for these matches in March.’ Former Irish striker Jon Walters asked if the FAI head-hunters may opt for ‘someone out of the blue’. ‘Are we at a point that Wales were at in 2010 when they appointed Gary Speed? He only managed Sheffield United for a few months,’ said Walters. Speed was succeeded by Chris Coleman, another candidate. ‘There has been mention of Chris Coleman, who did a spectacular job with Wales. ‘His father was Irish,’ said Kerr.