Herve Renard pours cold water on Ireland vacancy talk

France women's boss Herve Renard refused to bite on suggestions he could be in the running to become the next Republic of Ireland men's head coach, instead training his focus on beating the Girls in Green tomorrow night.

Roy Keane, Lee Carsley, Neil Lennon, Chris Coleman, Slaven Bilic and Willy Sagnol have all been linked with the post over the last five months, with reports this week that Gus Poyet remains in the frame to succeed Stephen Kenny.

In March, Renard announced that he intends to step away from France after this summer's Paris Olympics because he would like the opportunity to lead a men's side to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

It was inevitable that Renard's name would be tossed into the tumble dryer of Ireland speculation, but ahead of France's Euro 2025 qualifier clash with Eileen Gleeson's team, he poured cold water on it.

"No, but I think every week some people will find for me a new destination, or maybe every day," he replied when asked if anyone from the FAI had made contact.

"It's not the most important. I will never again respond to any question about my future. I am only interested in tomorrow so far."

Renard has an eclectic and impressive CV. He has won the African Cup of Nations twice, with Zambia and Ivory Coast.

As Saudi Arabia boss at the 2022 World Cup, he masterminded a famous win over eventual champions Argentina.

He will have no shortage of suitors, but reiterated his desire to finish his current job in style.

"This is not a topic of conversation between (the players) or between me and them," he said when asked if his imminent exit had disrupted the camp.

"Everybody is one. What is most important is to win. Every game is important - even if I have to play one day against journalists