In an interview with the Irish Daily Mail, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton admitted that if the FAI wanted him for the Ireland job, he would be open to taking the reigns.
Hughton, who served as assistant to Brian Kerr from February 2003 to October 2005, has had a quietly impressive campaign with Brighton in the Premier League, the south coast club sitting 14th place in the league in a very tight bottom half of the table.
When pressed on whether he would consider managing the Republic at some stage, Hughton stated his interest, albeit in a very democratic way:
It [managing Ireland] is something I would definitely never say never to.
If you're going to coach, you want to coach at the highest level, and being able to do that at international level is the highest level.
Though the former Newcastle manager did temper his international aspirations somewhat, stating that he is still prefers the demanding nature of club management:
My real desire is day-to-day football, being out there on the training ground. I'm still youngish enough and fit enough.
On Brighton's aspirations Hughton said the main goal for the promoted team is to try to consistently stay in the top flight:
Can we become like Stoke Southampton, West Brom, a team regularly in the division? That us what the aim and objectives are.
Should Hughton guide Brighton to safety this season he would surely be one of the first names on the list for Ireland when Martin O'Neill does decide to step down.
