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.

“FC Ryukyu ended at 17th among 18 teams. There is no lower place. We have only one way to move — up,” Troussier said yesterday.

“I want to help the team be solid, well organised and capable of good results so they can be promoted to the second division.

“First of all, I’m really happy to be back to Japan. I feel like I’ve never left Japan; I feel I’ve come back home,” Troussier said.