Troussier linked with Irish job

Troussier with Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi

Former Japan boss Philippe Troussier is the latest name to be linked with the vacant Republic of Ireland job.

Reports in France have said that the Football Association of Ireland want to sound out Troussier about his possible availability for the position.

Troussier is currently recovering from a knee operation and is expected to make his intentions known shortly about his future plans.

The Frenchman has already turned down an offer to manage China and has said that he will not be returning to Asia.

Troussier has spent most of his managerial career in Africa.

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He led club side ASEC Abidjan to three Ivory Coast League Championships before managing the national team.

After further spells in South Africa and Morocco, Troussier then guided Nigeria to the 1994 World Cup Finals before managing Burkina Faso to fourth place in the African Nations Cup.

The Frenchman managed South Africa at the 1998 World Cup Finals before taking on the role of guiding Japan's national team.

In addition to reaching the second round of this year's World Cup, Troussier guided Japan to fifth place in the Sydney Olympics and victory at the 2000 Asian Championships.