Steve Bruce has further added to the speculation over his chances at becoming the next Ireland manager, with a statement that has once again reiterated his interest in the position.
In recent days he has thrown his hat into the ring, before news came out that a businessman was willing to fund his wages were he to be hired.
Steve Bruce Adds More Fuel To The Ireland Manager Fire
In this latest press release from Ladbrokes, Bruce has tried to remain coy, saying that "At the moment I can't really comment on it because there's been no connection".
However, his language used and his comments and knowledge on specific Ireland players whom he has managed, imply a deeper desire to be offered the role.
I'm led to believe I'm there or thereabout in the betting for the Ireland job. It's a job that would interest me, that's for sure. You know, as I've said, I've had a bit of time out and I'm itching to get back into the game, and something like that would suit me.
Let's see if the phone rings... it's one of those; are they going to make an approach? At this moment in time, I really don't know. But I've seen the betting sites and read the rumours, like everybody else.At the moment I can't really comment on it because there's been no connection.
I know a couple of the lads in that team well - most recently, of course, I've worked with Dara [O'Shea] and [Jayson] Molumby. Dara, in particular, is probably having a difficult time at the moment with Burnley, but what a compliment it was for him to have been signed by Vincent Kompany.
Dara had great leadership skills and he plays with a wonderful attitude. He never knows when he's beaten, he's a fierce competitor... as tough as they come, in fact.
READ HERE: Report: Businessman Willing To Fund Wages For One Ireland Managerial Candidate
13 July 2010; Sunderland manager Steve Bruce exchanges handshakes with Munster XI players after the game. Friendly in Aid of Shane Geoghegan Trust, Munster XI v Sunderland AFC, Thomond Park, Limerick. Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
Bruce also spoke at length about his hiatus from football since his brief spell with West Brom in 2022, the support of his wife, and the possibility of being asked to appear on I'm A Celebrity.
"I've had a break from it, but I've missed it," he continued.
"Especially those Saturday afternoons. These days, Saturday afternoon is a difficult place for me. I've forced myself to have this break, because I've never had one before, so we'll see what happens now.
"I'd hope my wife would say the last 12 months, with me around, have been wonderful! I have to say she's been so supportive of me over the years, and I think she needed a break from football, too. She'll have had enough of seeing my miserable face when we get beat! Your family have to read this awful stuff which gets said about you, and so I think we've all needed a break from it.
"We've been able to go to places we always said we'd go when we got the chance. We've had 12 months off, but I think she's ready to kick me out and tell me to get back to work!
"I have been asked the question as to whether I'd go in the jungle for I'm A Celebrity... who knows, maybe one day that'll come! You get offered a lot of media when you're out of work. But for me, it was important that I got away from it all, totally. I went completely quiet... I was sick of seeing myself on TV, or hearing myself on the radio, so I purposely made sure I cut myself off from it all. But in the last month or so, I've felt ready to get back to work."
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