Kevin Doyle backs Venables for Ireland job

Kevin Doyle believes Terry Venables would be the ideal man to lead Ireland into their next World Cup campaign.

Venables had emerged the bookies' favourite long before the Football Association confirmed earlier today that he had been sacked as England assistant manager, along with boss Steve McClaren, after the side's failure to reach Euro 2008.

The former Barcelona coach, who managed England in the Euro 96 finals, is understood to be the front-runner for the Ireland job, with ex-Wigan boss Paul Jewell also in the frame.

And Reading striker Doyle insisted he saw both as heavyweight candidates to succeed Steve Staunton, who has already paid the price for Ireland's failure to reach next summer's finals.

He said: "Either of those I would be very happy with. They have both done very well.

"Terry Venables has more experience internationally, which is what they are looking for in terms of someone who has been there and done it.

"Steve Staunton was criticised because he didn't have managerial experience so Terry Venables fits the bill. He got England through to the semi-finals of the European Championships, where they were beaten only on penalties, so he was very close to being in a massive final.

"He has done well at all the clubs he has been at so it would be exciting if he did get the job."