Shay Given not expecting Lee Carsley to take Ireland role in the near future

Shay Given does not believe that Lee Carsley will be the next manager of the Republic of Ireland.

The former Everton midfielder and current England Under-21 manager remains the frontrunner for the vacant position, however, former international team-mate, Given, is of the opinion that he will not be leading Ireland into the upcoming Nations League campaign.

"It's my understanding that it is not going to be Lee Carsley," said Given, speaking on RTE's Champions League show. "Maybe not now, but maybe in the future Lee might be interested."

"My understanding is it's not going to be Lee Carsley"

Shay Given believes his former team-mate won't be taking the current Republic of Ireland vacancy #COYBIG #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/ZZFryYyavz

"So where does that leave us? Where does that leave everyone, including the FAI?

"You have the likes of Neil Lennon, Roy Keane, Chris Coleman got a mention recently, Chris Hughton.

"Chris Coleman had a good time at Wales, of course."

And Given believes that the manager should already be in place such is the proximity of the next two international games, as Ireland take on Belgium and Switzerland in Dublin next month.

"It's just a few weeks to the next international, so the manager should be in place now, because he needs to look at the players, he needs to pick his squad, who's in, who's out.

"So it's not ideal."

Given previously stated that he felt that Carsley would be a perfect fit as the new head coach for Ireland, however, the former Newcastle and City keeper appeared adamant that he will not be appointed on this occasion.

"I don't think it is going to be Lee personally," added Given.

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