Hodgson declares interest in Ireland job

ROY HODGSON yesterday became the latest high-profile manager to declare an interest in the vacant Republic of Ireland job.

The 55-year-old, best known for leading Switzerland to the finals of World Cup '94 and Euro '96, commenced a two-year contract to manage the United Arab Emirates national team in June.

"Being under contract, it would be wrong to say too much at present," Hodgson explained from Abu Dhabi. "But contracts work both ways. I can't rely on the UAE Federation to give me the full two years.

"So if the FAI decide they want me and are prepared to buy out my contract, I'd be delighted to do the Ireland job."

With political and military tensions rising in the Middle East, Hodgson might be expected to seek any opportunity to return to Europe, where he previously managed Blackburn Rovers, Inter Milan and Udinese. But he sees things differently.

"I'd only leave the UAE for a top European post, and managing Ireland comes into that category," he said.

"Ireland now qualifies for the World Cup and the European Championship on a regular basis and has many good players.

"I was sad to hear that Mick McCarthy felt he had to step down. He did a tremendous job in recent years, but I don't know too much about the situation in Dublin since the World Cup finals."

Hodgson, who expects to meet Bryan Robson when the former Middlesbrough manager visits the Emirates next week to watch a tournament involving Arab clubs, said he has had no contact with the FAI.

"It's very flattering to be linked with the Ireland job if only by the bookmakers," he laughed. "I have not been approached by the FAI or by anyone acting on their behalf. But if they considered my experience as Swiss national team coach and elsewhere was an asset, obviously I'd be very happy."