Brian McDermott has been named as a possible contender for the vacant Republic of Ireland job, but the FAI chief admits it might be too early to tempt him to take the job.

Ireland sacked Giovanni Trapattoni after losing to Austria on Tuesday night, a result that has all but ended their chances of qualifying for the World Cup Finals. The current favourite is Martin O`Neill (currently out of work), followed by Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy if he fancies having his old job back.
McCarthy took Eire to the World Cup finals in 2002, only to leave the post after his infamous row with Roy Keane and a disappointing start to the qualifying tournament for Euro 2004.

And as far as our Brian is concerned, FAI chief John Delaney told Radio Leeds, Delaney said, "He is a serious candidate and he is one of the names being mentioned here this morning. I am looking at Mick McCarthy and Brian McDermott and I know that both men, having spoken to them over the past couple of years, they would both like to get their hands on this job, not necessarily at this stage. I know Brian McDermott, given his heritage with his parents being Irish, and having spoken to him on Irish radio, he would love to manage the Republic of Ireland someday."

Hopefully the key words will be “someday" and “not necessarily at this stage”. There are no reports of McDermott actually saying that he wants the job, and I can’t imagine he would want to leave Leeds just now, after the promising start he’s made to his spell in charge at Elland Road. I’m sure that Martin O’Neill would do a fine job for Ireland, and let’s hope he takes the position so that the FAU don’t come calling for our Brian.

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