Northern Ireland wanted Roy

Roy Hodgson: Could have ended up as Northern Ireland manager in 2007

Roy Hodgson could have become Northern Ireland boss in 2007, former Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce has revealed.

Hodgson was appointed Fabio Capello's successor as England manager last month and will take charge of the Three Lions at Euro 2012.

But it has emerged he was a contender to replace Lawrie Sanchez five years ago only to be ruled out by his commitment to Finland.

"Whenever Lawrie Sanchez resigned and went to Fulham there was a possibility that Roy could have ended up as Northern Ireland manager," FIFA vice-president Boyce told Sky Sports News.

"At that time he was manager of Finland and obviously he had to finish his contract with Finland, which didn't expire until November of that year.

"But the rest is history, so now he's manager of England and I think probably on a much higher salary than he would have got with Northern Ireland!

"I've known Roy for many years. He's very highly thought of at UEFA and I'm sure he will make an excellent choice as England manager."