Neil Lennon: FAI want manager with 'international experience'

Neil Lennon has said the FAI were looking for a managerial candidate "who had international experience" after reflecting on his failed bid for the job.

Former Celtic boss Lennon, who is now touting his interest in the vacant Aberdeen job, told the Scottish Sun that he was "close to the Ireland job and I was disappointed to miss out on it".

He added: "The feedback was positive but they said they wanted to go with someone who had international experience."

FAI Director of Football Marc Canham said on Monday that the search for a men's senior team manager was almost at an end but couldn't be confirmed until early April.

"Existing contractual obligations mean that we are not in a position to announce any further details at this point," Canham said.

This led to renewed speculation that Lee Carsley, who oversees the England Under-21s in two competitive games in March, would be unveiled, though incoming technical advisor Brian Kerr poured cold water on that notion in an interview with Ray D'Arcy on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, I don't think that he is in the picture, but I could be wrong," Kerr said.

The Euro 2024 play-offs conclude at the end of March, with one self-proclaimed contender Gus Poyet involved with Greece, while another name touted recently is Georgia manager Willy Sagnol.

In the meantime, John O'Shea has been installed as interim manager and will be in charge for the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in late March.

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