Hughton not interested in Ireland but Kenny keen

Brighton boss Chris Hughton has ruled himself out as a possible successor to Martin O’neill as Republic of Ireland manager. But Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny remains firmly in the frame after the 47-year-old admitted it would be the “ultimate honour” to manage the national side following O’neill’s departure.

Asked ahead of his side’s Premier League game against Leicester whether he was interested in the Republic of Ireland job, Hughton said: “No. What I am very interested in is the job that I am doing here.

“I have got a group of players who have worked very hard to get into this division, and certainly that is where all my thoughts and concentrations are.”

Mick Mccarthy is the early favourite to be handed a second spell in charge of the national side, but Kenny’s name has also been mentioned and he told the Dundalk Democrat: “I think managing your country is the ultimate honour.

“If you offered me the job of managing Real Madrid or Barcelona or Ireland, I would choose to manage Ireland because it’s the greatest honour you can have as an Irishman.”

The FAI is hoping to make a swift appointment, with the draw for the Euro 2020 finals due to take place in Dublin on 2 December.

Mccarthy, out of work since leaving Ipswich in April, is believed to be keen on the role he relinquished after the 2002 World Cup and has the support of long-time Ireland left-back Ian Harte.

Harte tweeted: “Who is the best person to become manager of Ireland? If it was me I would have Mick Mccarthy all day long!!!

“Mick is proven at International level. Plus what he achieved at @Official_ ITFC was remarkable as on a shoestring budget! And for me he is brilliant at motivating players.”