Lee Carsley in the frame for Birmingham City job

Former Republic of Ireland international Lee Carsley remains tight-lipped about his prospects of becoming Birmingham City manager, having been asked to take charge of the club “until a suitable candidate comes in”.

The 43-year-old caretaker has been installed among the bookmakers’ favourites to get the job vacated by Harry Redknapp on a permanent basis along with former Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka and Steve Cotterill, whose longest reigns have come at Cheltenham and Burnley.

However, amid speculation that he could combine the role with his England Under-21 duties, Carsley has given little away about his position.