Steve Bruce on Ireland links: 'Once the position is free, they can give me a call' 

COME AND GET ME PLEA: Steve Bruce during his recent stint at Newcastle United.

Steve Bruce says he’d be willing to open discussions with the FAI if they are seeking a new Ireland boss.

The vacancy is due to arise over the next week when Director of Football Marc Canham recommends to the board that the association end Stephen Kenny’s three-and-half-year reign.

Kenny himself admitted after last night’s dour conclusion, a 1-1 friendly against a New Zealand side ranked 103 in the world, that his instincts told him he’d not be offered a contract extension.

England’s Euro U21 winning boss and former Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley remains the FAI’s number one target but with no competitive matches until the UEFA Nations League begins next September, they will interview other potential candidates.

Bruce, 62, may not fit the profile that’s anticipated but he does possess vast experience from his spells in charge of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Hull City and West Bromwich Albion amongst others.

His late mother Sheenagh was born in Bangor but he rejected an invite from Jack Charlton to declare for Ireland in time for the 1994 World Cup.

Bruce later revealed that his Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson thwarted the move due to the limits UEFA imposed at the time on foreign players lining out for clubs in European competitions.

His son Alex did declare for Ireland in 2006 but as his two caps came in friendlies he switched to Northern Ireland.

Speaking this week, Bruce said he’d consider venturing onto the international stage if the right opportunity arose.

"I've stated before that I'd like to get back into management, but I find speculation when there's a manager in place to be very disrespectful," he said.

"The current manager had a big game against New Zealand, and hearing speculation about him being sacked is really disrespectful. I've been there myself.

“I'm looking to get back into football, whether that's an international job, a director of football, an assistant to an up-and-coming manager, or a consultation role.

“I'm open to anything as I miss the game. International management would appeal to me at my age, but I find speculation disrespectful while a manager is in place. Once the manager position is free, then they (FAI) can give me a call.” 

Regarding the club he captained to their first Premier League title, Bruce reckons an unlikely reunion between Manchester United and Roy Keane can’t be dismissed.

He thinks his former teammate will also be in the mix to fill the Ireland vacancy.

“It's been four years since Roy managed, and of course he'd be on everybody's lips when it comes to Ireland - he’s always box office,” he said.

“Roy going back into football wouldn't surprise me. He may have made himself into the face of punditry, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him back in football as I know he loves it. I see Roy a lot as he goes to Salford games if he's not working on a Saturday. My son-in-law plays there, too, so I see a lot of their games. It wouldn't surprise me to see Roy go back to any job in football.

“It wouldn't surprise me to see Roy take up a role at Man United. We all know how highly he's thought of at the club as he was there for 13 years and served as a huge captain for them. Who knows? I'm sure he'd be open to any discussion.” 

Bruce was speaking in association with Gambling Zone.