Roy Keane leaves door open to Ireland return in future

Roy Keane has left the door open to a return to working with the Republic of Ireland again in the future.

The FAI are entering the closing stages of the recruitment process for a new Ireland manager, with Lee Carsley strongly linked with the role.

While unlikely to feature in the upcoming appointment, Keane admitted he could revisit a role with Ireland having served as assistant to Martin O'Neill for five years.

He told the Stick to Football podcast: "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 and the academy.

"That does appeal to me. I did like the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin with the Irish team.

"We had a little bit of success, and when you've had a little bit of success, then it's brilliant, and obviously there are disappointments.

"That could be an option."

The former Ireland captain has managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town but has focused predominantly on punditry in recent years.

Keane has not been involved in coaching since exiting Nottingham Forest in 2019 where he again worked with O’Neill.

Carsley is under contract with the English FA as Under-21 manager with former Celtic boss Neil Lennon also under consideration for the position.

Ireland will play Belgium and Switzerland in late March in two friendlies in what will be the first games for the new manager.