Souness interested in Ireland job

Graeme Souness would be interested in the Ireland job

Former Newcastle and Rangers manager Graeme Souness has said he would think seriously about any offer to take charge of the Republic of Ireland.

"If I was offered the Ireland job, I would be very interested," Souness told the Irish Daily Star.

"Why wouldn't any manager be keen on leading such a great country's football team, working with a squad which I believe has a lot of potential?"

The position became available after Steve Staunton was sacked last week.

Souness, who also been in charge at Liverpool, was last in management at Newcastle but was sacked in February 2006 18 months after taking the position at St James' Park.

Since then he has worked as a football pundit for English and Irish broadcasters.

And the 54-year-old had reservations whether Irish people would welcome a former Rangers boss.

He has got to realise that getting sacked is part and parcel of football management Souness' advice for Steve Staunton

There has been speculation that Terry Venables, currently number two to England boss Steve McClaren, could also be eyeing the Irish role.

The Republic's Under-21 boss Don Givens has taken temporary charge of the senior side.

He is expected to be in control for just one match - the final Euro 2008 qualifier away to Wales on 17 November.

The new boss would then take over ahead of Ireland's friendly at home to Brazil in February.