Kinnear still in Ireland frame

Joe Kinnear will not be applying for the Republic of Ireland manager‘s job - but would not rule himself out of the running for the post.

Kinnear, currently in charge at Second Division Luton, turned down the Ireland job six years ago when he was in charge at Wimbledon but is one of the bookies‘ fancies to take the job this time round.

The Football Association of Ireland picked Mick McCarthy to replace Jack Charlton then – and his stint at the helm ended yesterday.

Kinnear, who won 26 caps with the Republic, told Sky Sports News: “I won’t be applying for the job – if people want you they come and get you. I‘m not getting sucked into anything.

“I probably didn’t do myself any favours last time I was offered the job and turned it down – whether they will ask me again, I don‘t know.”

He added: “I‘ll listen to what people say. I had three good offers before I took the Luton job.”

Kinnear, 55, revealed the developments of the past 24 hours had come as a shock to him.

He continued: “I‘ve been out the country looking at players and have literally just got back – I‘ve not spoken to anybody at all, my agent or anyone at Luton.

“But my coaching staff have told me what’s going on and what’s happened to Mick is shock news – he had done a great job.”

The former Tottenham right-back is midway through a three-year deal at Kenilworth Road and revealed he is happy with the club.

He added: “There are no problems at Luton. I‘ll do the best I possibly can to see the contract out – but you never know what happens in football.

“I feel well and as good as ever and whatever will be will be – never say never in this world.”

On McCarthy he said: “It‘s sad these things happen in football. The Switzerland game probably made his mind up but Mick has done a great job and Roy Keane has been a great footballer for them.

“He was sorely missed but I wasn’t privy to what was going on (in Saipan) so I‘m talkig in the dark.

“But you can’t have Irish football without Roy Keane in it – and that applies to Manchester United too. They’re not the same without him and nor are Ireland.

“I only wish someone above the pair of them had got involved before it became publicised – it should have all been stamped out early doors.”

Kinnear is in no doubt that whoever replaces McCarthy will bring back Keane, adding: “Whoever goes in will bring Roy Keane back, that’s for sure.

“They‘ve got some smashing players, some great kids coming through. They‘ve a decent side and with Roy Keane back it will give them a lift.”