'I play winning football': Sam Allardyce interested in Ireland job

A few names have been mentioned regarding the vacant Republic of Ireland managerial position and now Sam Allardyce has thrown his hat in the ring.

A difficult three years in charge for Stephen Kenny came to an end recently as the FAI decided not to renew his contract.

Two of the favourites for the role, who would be popular appointments with the Ireland fanbase, are former Ireland internationals Lee Carsley and Chris Hughton.

However, this could prove beyond the FAI's financial resources as both are currenly working in international football - Carsley is England Under-21 manager, and Hughton is Ghana head coach.

The names who have expressed an interest will be more divisive among the Boys in Green's fanbase.

Neil Lennon, former Celtic coach, and Steve Bruce, who has managed the likes of Birmingham City and Newcastle United, have both expressed an interest in the Ireland role.

The latest big name to join the running is Allardyce.

When asked at a recent Second Captains event, the 69-year-old said: "Yes, I would always have an interest and always like to speak to them, of course. It would be nice to be interviewed and see where they’re going and what they’re thinking. Of course, it’s just a short journey over by plane."

The former West Ham and Everton manager added: "Nobody has officially made any offer, in terms of whatever shortlist may have been brought up. Obviously, that is all done through my agent, which is the way things go today.

"Whoever they choose is a big decision for them... of course. They have failed a bit recently in the last few seasons, to say the least. I don’t know whether that’s the manager, or a combination of the manager and the team.

"I’ve always been pragmatic in terms of how good are the players