England U-21 boss Lee Carsley will not be taking over as Ireland manager from John O’Shea.
Lee Carsley has ruled himself out of the running to become Ireland manager, confirming that he will remain in charge of the England U-21 side for the remainder of their qualifying campaign.
Speaking ahead of a qualifying game in Azerbaijan on Friday, Carsley told the UK Daily Mail that he did meet the FAI but has no plans to leave his current role at this juncture.
“We had an initial conversation in November,” said Carsley, “I went to speak to them. Really informal, enjoyable, for around an hour. It went no further.
“It was good to see what their thoughts were and to explore whether I was ready to take that next step. It just went no further. I didn’t push it.
‘I’ve always said that I’m really privileged to do this job I’m in. I appreciate that I’m in a really good position with a lot of responsibility.’
Today’s Sport News in 90 Seconds – 20th March
“There was a feeling that I would go and do a senior job after the summer (an apparent reference to last summer) but speaking to John McDermott (FA Technical Director) and other people, I’m committed to this campaign,’ said Carsley.
‘At some point, maybe it’s something I’ll do. I didn’t need convincing. I see myself as a development coach. I’ve not put myself out there, applying for jobs or anything. I definitely wouldn’t go down that route with the position I’m in and how lucky I am.”
Carsley had been identified as the FAI’s top target and the lines of communication had remained open throughout their hunt for a new manager but there was always a lack of clarity around his intentions.
The FAI have said that they will appoint a new permanent manager next month who has contractual commitments for the March window and that led to fresh speculation that Carsley was back in the frame but the 50-year-old has now slammed the door shut on that prospect.