Even for Keano, two jobs would be too much

HOW can anybody follow Jack Charlton? That’s what I think when I hear the flak that Brian Kerr is coming in for ahead of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers with Cyprus and Switzerland.

What Mick McCarthy achieved at the last World Cup was also tremendous, but he too had his critics. The Irish fans are used to success and they've been fortunate in having some fantastic results in the past. It looks to me like the side is now in a transitional period where they've got exciting young players coming through and results are suffering a little.

However, the fact is there is talk of Roy Keane being wanted as manager of Ireland when Kerr's contract runs out. I don't for a minute wish to comment on whether a fellow manager should be replaced or not. Brian Kerr is an absolute gentleman; everything he does reeks of dignity and I wish him all the very best.