Troussier out of running for Ireland job

PHILIPPE TROUSSIER is out of the race to replace Steve Staunton as Republic of Ireland manager.

The globe trotting Frenchman has joining a struggling Japanese lower-league team, in a surprise move just weeks after being linked with the Irish and Australian job.

The former Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Qatar and Marseille coach signed a five-year contract as general manager of FC Ryukyu, who finished last season second last in Japan’s third division.