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.