Venables 'would consider Ireland approach'

Terry Venables has admitted he would have to seriously consider any approach from the Football Association of Ireland.

The former England assistant manager has been widely tipped to replace Steve Staunton as the Republic of Ireland boss.

Venables said: “I was asked if I have heard from Ireland. I said I hadn’t even heard from Scotland.

“I have not heard from anyone. I can assure you of that. If it comes around (being sounded out for the Ireland job) I will think about it then but not before.”

Venables left England along with manager Steve McLaren after failing to qualify for Euro 2008.

A vastly experienced coach at club level, he also had a spell in charge of Australia.

Venables said: “I have enjoyed the international experience. It wasn’t as good as we wanted it (with England) by any stretch of the imagination.

“What I do or not remains to be seen. I thought I had finished three times or so but then we go again.

“That’s who I am. You cannot be away from the game because you love it.

“I like big challenges. In the main I have not been unhappy with the challenges I have taken on.”

Venables was speaking after being in charge of an England Legends XI that lost 3-2 to a Rest of a World Legends XI, led by Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at The City of Manchester Stadium..

The aim of the game, organised by the Professional Footballers’ Association in their centenary year, was to raise £1million for a new unit at a children’s’ hospital in Manchester.

Venables added: “It was good fun and main thing was to raise money for charity.”