FAI hoping to retain Hughton as assistant

FAI officials are hoping that Chris Hughton will be able to continue as assistant to manager Brian Kerr with Ireland’s international team even if he is given responsibility for Tottenham Hotspur’s first team at White Hart Lane.

Hughton was named as a likely appointee if Spurs follow the advice of caretaker manager David Pleat and divide the traditional manager’s role between two people.

Hughton is currently first team coach to Spurs but Pleat suggested he might be invited to accept responsibility for all things affecting Spurs’ Premiership side, including team selection and tactics.