Lennon plays down links to Irish job

Neil Lennon has distanced himself from speculation linking him to the vacant Republic of Ireland management position, saying that while he is flattered, he remains focused on his role at Hibernian.

The Easter Road boss is considered one of the frontrunners to take on the international job after his former Leicester and Celtic manager Martin O’neill bowed out earlier this week in the wake of Nations League relegation.

Mick Mccarthy remains the favourite but bookies are still offering short odds on the 47-year-old Hibs coach, who gained 40 caps for Northern Ireland. Lennon, though, insists there has been no contact with the Football Association of Ireland.

“I’m sorry to see Martin go because you know the influence he had on me over a long period of time and whoever goes in there has big boots to fill,” said Lennon.

“But can you imagine me for three months in between [international] games? It’s speculation, that’s all it is. It’s flattering but I have a job to do here. At the minute we’re not doing as well as we should be doing so I need to concentrate on that. I enjoy what I do here and I want us to try and progress again.”