Hughton on Kerr’s backroom team list

BRIAN KERR will look to Spurs coach and former Irish defender Chris Hughton to spearhead his backroom team if named the next Republic of Ireland coach.

Kerr will be the first candidate to be interviewed by Merrion Square chiefs in advance of his trip to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, and is understood to want Spurs assistant coach Hughton as his right hand man.

Hughton would certainly bring the Premiership experience Kerr is lacking, after 10 years on the coaching staff at White Hart Lane where he has served under Gerry Francis, Christian Gross, George Graham and current managerial team of Glenn Hoddle and John Gorman.

However Kerr, who brings Ireland’s under-20 side to the UAE for a three match tournament this week, is still considered an outsider by influential soccer observers.

The FAI will interview between four and six candidates for the position and maintain that a new manager will be in place for February 1, more than a week ahead of Ireland’s next friendly international in Scotland.

Kenny Dalglish remains the favoured high profile cross channel candidate but former Republic striker Frank Stapleton is optimistic about his chances of becoming the next manager after a meeting with Bryan Hamilton.

He said: “I am optimistic because of the way the interview went. Bryan is a very positive man anyway, but you have to be optimistic.”

Over the course of his two-hour interview, Stapleton said they discussed many things, including the inevitable Keane question. “That was discussed, as well as many other things. I think Bryan asked everyone the same questions, not just about the job but about the direction of Irish football.”

Although Stapleton has been out of management for some time, preferring to concentrate on his extensive media work, he doesn’t believe that will mitigate against him.

“No, I don’t see why it should. Quite the opposite, in fact. Dealing with the media is very much part of the job of international manager because you are able to see what people’s angles are when they are asking questions.”

Last week Hamilton said he didn’t discuss candidates in any of his interviews, so Stapleton remains in the dark as to his main rivals, apart from those who went public with their candidature. However, he believes Ireland can still qualify for Euro 2004.

“The next two matches are very difficult, they are away from home, but can be won. Obviously, we are not in a great position but I took a look at the team before meeting with Bryan and, apart from possibly the front positions, every position is well-covered. We have a strong squad.”

Blackburn have dismissed suggestions they are about to sell midfielder Damien Duff. The Republic international has attracted interest from a number of clubs, both at home and in Europe, following his displays for Rovers and his country at the World Cup finals in the summer.

With the transfer window open again, speculation over the 29-year-old’s future has started in earnest. But a club statement insisted: “Regarding Damien, we have had no contact with Inter Milan or any other club for that matter.”

Rovers have confirmed there has been interest in fringe Irish player Alan Mahon.