Gus Poyet thanks Greece as future remains unclear for apparent Republic of Ireland target

Gus Poyet has thanked Greece fans after his contract as the country's football manager ended but the apparent Republic of Ireland target indicated he was hopeful of staying on in the role.

Reports from Greece on Saturday suggested that Poyet had turned down the chance to manage Ireland and was keen to continue as Greece boss but there was further speculation on Monday that he was still in the running here.

In a post on social media last night, the Uruguayan said: "I do not know what will happen, but if this were to be the end of our journey together, I can't leave without sharing my gratitude. Who knows what the future will hold, if we keep going together or not, but one thing is certain - I will forever be a supporter of Greece."

The FAI has opted not to comment apart from restating that an appointment would be made in April. Director of football Marc Canham said last month that "existing contractual arrangements" were delaying an announcement, which suggested that one of the managers still involved in Euro 2024 qualifying was being lined up.

Greece's qualification hopes were dashed when they lost on penalties to Georgia in a play-off last week, meaning Poyet's side will not be heading to Germany for this summer's tournament. Georgia manager Willy Sagnol has also been linked with the Ireland job.

Poyet's Greece beat Stephen Kenny's Ireland twice in the Euro 2024 qualification campaign. The former Chelsea player had expressed his admiration for Irish football in the process and hinted that he may be interested in the job if and when it every came available.

The 56-year-old managed Brighton and Sunderland in the past with his time in charge of the Mackems coinciding with Irish interim boss John O'Shea's spell there as a player.