Lennon is so keen on Ireland job
AMBITION
NEIL LENNON admits he is interested in the vacant Republic of Ireland job.
The former Northern Ireland international, 52, is among the favourites for the role after Stephen Kenny was forced to give up the hotseat this week.
Appearing on Premier Sports yesterday, Lennon was asked if he would like the top job.
He replied: “No question. I think it’s a fabulous job to start with it. I’ve achieved a lot in my career in terms of my ambition and in terms of playing with Celtic.
“Managing Ireland would be another ambition of mine but there’ll be a plethora of candidates and process to go through. I’d love to have a crack at it.”
And asked how the application process works, he said: “I don’t know to be honest with you. Normally when you’re going for a club job you get a representative to send in a CV or make it known you are interested but I don’t know what the process would be for the FAI.
“I’m sure they’ve been thinking of it previously and there will be a shortlist. Hopefully I’ll be on that.”
Lennon was asked if he thought Ireland had the quality of player to compete.
He added: “When I look at Scotland for example, everything is cyclical for me.
“Scotland has a really good bunch of players, all Premier League. The more players playing at a higher level for Ireland the better chance of qualifying.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to play every week but to be playing at a high level.
“Some of the players need to take responsibility of their club careers and make sure they are ready for the international game because it’s different but there is certainly talent.
“In the U21s and U19s there are good players coming through.”
Other names linked to the role are Roy Keane, Steve Bruce and Lee Carsley (right).