Souness admits Irish interest

Graeme Souness has expressed an interest in taking charge of the Republic of Ireland.

The Football Association of Ireland are looking for a new manager following the departure of Steve Staunton last week.

The former Liverpool and Rangers manager, who has been out of work since leaving Newcastle early last year told the Irish Daily Star: "If I was offered the Ireland job, I would be very interested."

He added: "Why wouldn't any manager be keen on leading such a great country's football team, working with a squad which I believe has a lot of potential?"

However the 54-year-old, who has also had spells in charge of Galatasaray, Torino, Benfica, Southampton and Blackburn, admitted he does have some reservations about how well his Rangers connections would go down in Ireland.

Players from the Glasgow club have been abused by Irish fans in the past.

He added: "As a former Rangers manager I would be a bit concerned at how some people might perceive me in Ireland."