Passion the key - Kavanagh

Graham Kavanagh has called on the Football Association of Ireland to ensure a new manager “has a passion for the country” if the Republic of Ireland are to emerge from the doldrums.

Wigan midfielder Kavanagh believes a fellow Irishman, or at least someone with Irish connections, should be appointed as successor to Brian Kerr, whose reign came to an end on Tuesday following the failure to qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals.