'Troussier approached by Ireland '

The FAI have not confirmed or denied Philippe Troussier's claims earlier today that he had been approached to succeed Mick McCarthy as coach.

But the Frenchman – who led Japan at the World Cup finals – insisted he will not rush into making a decision.

“I have been approached by five or six national teams and Ireland is one of them,” Troussier told BBC Sport Online.

Troussier recently had surgery for a knee problem and is currently receiving physiotherapy in Biarritz, France.

“Right now, I want to focus on my rehabilitation and forget about football for now,” Troussier said.

“After Japan, I think I should be careful about selecting the next team that I manage.

“When I finish my treatment in France, I will go back to my house in Morocco and should come to a decision in January.”

Troussier began his international managerial career in Africa.

He managed the Ivory Coast, Nigeria – who he guided to World Cup qualification in 1994 – and Burkina Faso.

Troussier led South Africa at the 1998 World Cup finals in France.