Neil Lennon drops hint on next Ireland manager and explains why he missed out

"I was close to the Ireland job."

The former Celtic boss was one of the contenders to replace Stephen Kenny as the next Ireland manager, but he has now confirmed that he is no longer in the running.

Neil Lennon drops hint on next Ireland manager and explains why he missed out.

John O'Shea has taken the job on an interim basis, but going on what the FAI told Lennon, it is unlikely that the former Man United defender will get the job on a permanent basis.

"I was close to the Ireland job and I was disappointed to miss out on it," Lennon told the Scottish Sun.

"The feedback was positive but they said they wanted to go with someone who had international experience."

Interestingly, with this feedback in mind, it would suggest that O'Shea will not be kept on, as he has no managerial experience at international level.

It also implies that the likes of Steve Bruce, who has only ever managed at club level, will definitely not be considered, while targets such as Lee Carsley are still in the frame.

Carsley is currently the manager of the England Under-21 team and has enjoyed a lot of success with them. So, it is likely that the ex-Ireland star is still top of the FAI's wish list.

Neil Lennon already has sights on managerial vacancy after missing out on Ireland job.

With Lennon now out of the running for the Ireland gig, Lennon has instead thrown his hat in the ring for the vacant Aberdeen job.

"Timing’s important and the Aberdeen job is something that I’d very much be interested in, no question, there’s great potential there.

"I was linked with it last month but, at the time, I was still involved with the process of the Ireland position, so I couldn’t really take it on. I’m doing a bit of punditry work and I’m very grateful for that, but it’s not what I want to do. I feel like I’ve plenty left in me as a coach.

"I think there’s a perception of me that’s wrong. I’ve achieved a lot – titles, trebles, the Champions League. I went abroad, won a trophy and got that team into the Europa League. I have won the Scottish Cup four times as a player and a manager.

"I’ve got real experience."