Shay Given insists the next manager of the Republic of Ireland does not have to be Irish as long as he is 'the best man for the job'.
FAI turn to Given and Keane in search for new boss
Shay Given insists he would be happy for the next manager of Republic of Ireland not to be Irish as long as he is 'the best manager for the job'.
Paul Jewell, Terry Venables and Roy Hodgson are among a host of names touted to succeed Steve Staunton, who departed his post earlier this month after the Republic's disappointing European Championship qualifying campaign.
And now vice-captain Given and skipper Robbie Keane are set to meet Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney to pass on their thoughts as they begin their search for a new manager.
Attractive
Given said: "There are so many names being bandied about, but whoever comes in they will know it's an attractive job.
"We've some good players in the squad, and some good young players coming through.
"I'm sure they'll be queuing up at Merrion Square to get the job, and hopefully we'll get the right guy.
"As for nationality, I'm not bothered. In an ideal world you want an Irishman, but at the minute I would just say, 'Get the best person in'.
Experience
"If he's Irish, then great. If he's not, then I wouldn't make a big fuss about it because it's about the right guy with the right experience to do the job and get us to the (2010) World Cup.
"That's the aim, and it will be that person's job to get us there.
"So we'll speak with John, who is very approachable. He wants to speak to some of the senior guys in the squad to discuss different things.
"It's important we do that because for John and ourselves, we're hoping to get the right person to take the country forward."
Striker Kevin Doyle believes the FAI need to appoint a big-name boss.
High-profile
"I feel we need a high-profile manager," confirmed the Reading striker.
"All those linked with the job at the moment are top managers, which is good and follows a different route for us.
"Hopefully it will be somebody with plenty of experience who can get us an away win because that is where we have been struggling.
"As to a favourite, it changes every week - Paul Jewell, Terry Venables, Roy Hodgson - but then they are all good managers."
