Steve Bruce: Republic of Ireland job would interest me

Steve Bruce feels the Republic of Ireland job would "suit" him as he considers a return to management.

The FAI made a swift announcement it would not be extending Stephen Kenny's three-and-a-half-year stay following the end what was a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, winning just two of eight matches - both against minnows Gibraltar.

The recruitment process for a new head coach has already started, with a review of the coaching staff set to take place once an appointment has been made ahead of friendly matches taking place in March and June 2024.

Bruce, 62, has been out of the game since leaving West Brom in October 2022.

The former Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa boss, though, believes the time is right to consider a return.

Bruce told Ladbrokes: Fanzone: "I'm led to believe I'm there or thereabouts in the betting for the Ireland job. It's a job that would interest me, that's for sure.

"You know, as I've said, I've had a bit of time out and I'm itching to get back into the game, and something like that would suit me.

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"Let's see if the phone rings. It's one of those - are they going to make an approach? At this moment in time, I really don't know. But I've seen the betting sites and read the rumours, like everybody else.

"At the moment I can't really comment on it because there's been no connection."

After moving into management following the end of his playing career, former Manchester United defender Bruce also had spells at Sheffield United, Huddersfield,