Richard Dunne believes that his former international teammate Lee Carsley is the ideal replacement for Stephen Kenny as Ireland senior manager.
The FAI announced on Wednesday evening that Kenny would not be offered a new contract.
Carsley, who won 40 caps for Ireland, led the England U21s to victory at this summer's European Championships.
"The dream hire for me would be Lee Carsley," Dunne told LiveScore.
"He's done his thing with England Under-21s and obviously played for Ireland, loves Ireland.
"Carsley is obviously doing very well with England but if Ireland could tempt him away, he's someone who can get the best out of what he's got.
"With the Under-21s he always has to chop and change his squad, be adaptable - and that's a skill the next Ireland manager will certainly need."
13 October 2007; Republic of Ireland team, back row, left to right, Steve Finnan, Kevin Kilbane, Kevin Doyle, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly and Joey O'Brien, front row left to right, Lee Carsley, Andy Reid, Shay Given, Robbie Keane and Andy Keogh. 2008 European Championship Qualifier, Republic of Ireland v Germany, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit; David Maher / SPORTSFILE
Dunne said that the single positive aspect of Stephen Kenny's three years in charge was how many new players have been blooded.
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"The simple fact is Ireland were not good enough, we've not performed," Dunne said about Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
"Over Stephen Kenny's reign as manager, we've gone backwards. Ireland drew with New Zealand who are 103rd in the world rankings.
"The style of football Ireland play has tried to be changed and we've just not won games.
"I believe we have a group of players who have the abilities to perform very well, whether they qualify for tournaments or not.
6 February 2008; Lee Carsley, Republic of Ireland, in action against Julio Baptista, right, and Diego Ribas, Brazil. International Friendly, Republic of Ireland v Brazil, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit; Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
"Kenny stuck too much to his guns, his philosophy, without taking into account the players available to him and making sure he gets the best out of them individually.
"We've become almost easy to play against and it's been tough to watch.
"However, one positive from Kenny is he brought in 28 new players for debuts and given the side more options. It's now about getting the right man in to give them the best chance.
"There's a divide really. Do we need to play beautiful football or do we need to qualify?
"For me it's always about the results and qualification - and supporting the Irish identity, playing with intensity and aggression.”
See Also: Dunne Says Stephen Kenny Retired 'Six Or Seven' Players Too Early
