Former Ireland captain Roy Keane has claimed that the idea of him and the Irish job becoming a partnership could become a reality.
The well-known Cork native is one of the many names linked to the role since former manager Stephen Kenny was given his marching orders by the FAI.
Martin O'Neill and Keane were in charge of managerial affairs in a previous Irish regime. The highlight of their work came when they made it to Euro 2016, but were eventually let go in 2018 after failing to make the Russian World Cup in 2018.
Keane was asked on the Stick to Football podcast about what he thought about returning to the dugout as a number 1 instead of a number 2.
"Yes, I enjoyed international football when I was a coach there," said Keane on the podcast.
"I like the dynamics of it where you’re not in every day, and it’s not about bringing players in and dealing with the board every week and the academy.
"That does appeal to me. I did like the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin with the Irish team.
"We had a little bit of success, and when you've had a little bit of success, then it's brilliant, and obviously there are disappointments. That could be an option."
Another name in contention is another former Ireland player, Chris Houghton.
This week, Houghton was sacked by the Ghanaian FA after finishing at the bottom of the African Cup of Nations group.
Hughton, born to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother, enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a full-back, earning 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team between 1979 and 1991.
Transitioning to management, he took charge of clubs such as Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City, and Nottingham Forest. As a manager, he achieved notable success, leading Newcastle United to the Premier League and guiding Birmingham City to the playoffs, along with a similar feat at Brighton & Hove Albion.
This could be Keane, Houghton, or someone else. We wait and see.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has asserted their intention to appoint a replacement before Ireland's upcoming double-header in March, where they will face Belgium on Saturday, March 23, and Switzerland on Tuesday, March 26.
