Troussier 'very interested' in taking over as Ireland boss

FORMER JAPAN coach Philippe Troussier is "very interested" in becoming the new Republic of Ireland boss.

Martin O'Neill remains the FAI's preferred choice to succeed Brian Kerr, but French man Troussier, who was interviewed for the job three years ago, revealed last night that he wants the job.

"It's an honour to be linked with the job. The financial conditions would also not be a problem," said Troussier.

The 50-year-old, who guided Japan to the second round of the 2002 World Cup finals, added that the chance to manage the Republic "would be too good an opportunity to refuse."

Troussier is currently in the frame for the vacant Moroccan national team job and also has an offer from a "big club in Turkey" but he hinted the Irish role was the one which interests him the most.

The French man is fully aware the FAI's preferred candidate appears to be O'Neill. He has not been contacted by the FAI about the current vacancy but is hoping the call may come again after he narrowly missed out on the job in January 2003.

Troussier acknowledged there would be some doubts about the wisdom of employing a foreign coach.

"To take a decision to employ a foreign coach would not be so easy and makes it even more of a victory for me that my name is being linked with this job.

"It would be a great challenge. I have my experience and my personality and I have been the national coach with six federations."

Troussier added he was "surprised" by the Republic's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in Germany.

"Everybody expected a good performance against Switzerland and the display was a surprise. I thought the Irish team deserved to go to Germany but in football, nothing is logical and you have to go and play the matches."

He added that he would relish the task of having to bring in 'new blood' which is likely to a large part of the new manager's job.

"I like this kind of process. When I took charge of the Japanese team I was in charge of three categories the senior team, the Olympic team and the Under-19s."

The Frenchman suggested he would not drive a hard financial bargain with the FAI.

"If I want to get money, I know where I have to go. To accept this kind of job is not for the money."

Troussier has also had spells in charge of South Africa, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Qatar. He took charge of Marseille last November and appeared to be unfortunate to lose that job in the summer after the club just missed out on a UEFA Cup place.

Meanwhile, Graham Kavanagh has called on the FAI to ensure a new manager "has a passion for the country" if the Republic of Ireland are to emerge from the doldrums.

Wigan midfielder Kavanagh believes a fellow Irishman, or at least someone with Irish connections, should be appointed as successor to Kerr.

Kavanagh certainly feels the likes of O'Neill would be ideal as he said: "Whoever the FAI choose, it has to be the right appointment."