Ireland eyeing Allardyce but Giles is dead against

The Republic of Ireland want to talk to Sam Allardyce about taking over for this year's World Cup qualifiers.

The FAI's recruitment team want to know if he would consider a quick return to management as a replacement for Steve Staunton, sacked in November.

But the idea brought a scathing response from Irish legend John Giles. 'I've never been a fan of big Sam's.' said Giles.

'I have sympathy for him, but only limited sympathy. I found him arrogant over the years, a bit obnoxious.

'What he did at Bolton was good for them, but I wouldn't pay to watch very basic football, and I don't think that style would suit Ireland.

'When Eddie Gray was at Leeds, Sam objected to Eddie taking over because he didn't have his Pro Licence. The same with Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough and Trevor Brooking with England, and yet his lack of international experience didn't stop him running his own 12-month campaign for the England job.'

Ex-England coach Terry Venables is still favourite for the Ireland vacancy.