24 January 2024 , 10:47
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Roy Keane has admitted that managing the Republic of Ireland national team could be an option for him to return to the dugout.
Ireland are currently without a coach after the departure of Stephen Kenny in November, with Lee Carsley and Neil Lennon among the favourites to take over. It is a move that Keane would consider should he be offered the chance, however.
The former Manchester United midfielder has previously led Sunderland and Ipswich Town but has not sat in a managerial hotseat since 2011 when he was sacked by the Tractor Boys. Keane has spent time as an assistant manager in the aftermath, however.
The 52-year-old was appointed to the role during Martin O'Neill's Ireland tenure and briefly combined it with working alongside Paul Lambert in Aston Villa. Keane also worked with O'Neill at Nottingham Forest for six months in 2019.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane admitted that he could be tempted by the Republic of Ireland job. The fiery pundit is drawn to not having to deal with a club's board on a regular basis.
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He said: "[On whether the Ireland job would be of interest] Yes, I enjoyed international football when I was a coach there, I like the dynamics of it where you’re not in everyday and it’s not about bringing players in and dealing with the board every week. That does appeal to me, I did enjoy the dynamics when I was coaching with the Irish team – that could be an option.”
Keane admitted that while he would like to return to football's frontline, he will not jump at any opportunity. The 67-times capped Ireland star hopes to ensure that he gets the right deal before dedicating himself to any team and believes Frank Lampard can learn a lot from his Everton experience.
Roy Keane is a regular on the Stick to Football podcast along with Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher (The Overlap)He said: “Not that you’re going to get the Real Madrid job, but it’s got to be the right challenge, the right club, and the right contract. I’ve had opportunities, but sometimes you get offered a contract and you have to look at it with self-worth, is it the right deal for you? I’d like to go back in [to management], but I’m not desperate to sign any contract for anybody.
“Your experiences, Frank, all of that will make you a better manager. The off-field stuff, dealing with board members, that is tough. That can sap your energy. Some clubs, there is always a crisis in there and maybe Everton will be one of them for the next few years, fighting relegation and dealing with boards. Unless you’re at a well-run club, there are those challenges off the pitch. If it was just about working with the team, it would be great.”