For a number of months now, it has been suggested that Lee Carsley is the FAI's preferred candidate to be the next Ireland manager. Those rumours first emerged while Stephen Kenny was still in the job and they have persisted ever since.
It is easy to see why the 49-year old is so highly thought of. Not only is he a 40-cap Ireland international, but he has also steadily built an impressive coaching CV in recent times. After spending time at Coventry City, Brentford, Manchester City, and Birmingham City, he would step into the FA setup and lead England to glory at the U21 Euros last summer.
Considering his close links to the country, track record of working with young players, and modern tactical approach, Lee Carsley would certainly seem like an ideal fit for the Ireland job.
However, they are unlikely to be the only interested party at the moment.
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Lee Carsley club interest could affect Ireland plans
The Daily Mirror are reporting that Lee Carsley is likely to be on the shortlist to become the next manager of Birmingham City, with Wayne Rooney sacked by the Championship club earlier today.
Of course, the England U21 boss has close links to the club. Not only did he spend two years there as a player, but he also managed their U23 side and acted caretaker for the first team back in 2017.
Birmingham City have plenty of ambition, with their recently arrived American owners said to have big plans for them in the years ahead. As a result, they could be an attractive proposition for an incoming manager despite the fact that they currently sit in 20th place in the Championship. The likes of Gary Rowett and Jesse Marsch have also been linked with the role.
Lee Carsley has drawn quite a bit of interest at club level in recent times, having also held discussions with Stoke City about their head coaching job last month.
As to how all of this affects the possibility of him taking the Ireland job, that will come down to Carsley himself. He may see a managerial role at club level as the next step in his career, although there is every chance that he would jump at the chance to manager Ireland.
The situation should be sorted over the next few weeks, with the FAI keen to appoint a new permanent manager ahead of the friendlies against Switzerland and Belgium in March.
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