ONE OF THE three men FAI chief John Delaney says he’s targeting for the Ireland job, insists he’s not interested right now.
Leeds United manager Brian McDermott was earmarked by the Association boss, along with front-runner Martin O’Neill and former boss Mick McCarthy, in an interview last night.
Giovanni Trapattoni vacated his position yesterday morning in the wake of defeats to Austria and Sweden in the past week.
“Everybody knows what I feel about Ireland, my family, my history, and how important it is to me,” the former Reading manager said. “My situation is that one day I want to manage the Republic of Ireland, but at this moment in time I’m at a fantastic football club.
“I’ve kind of been adopted here and I feel I owe this club and these supporters, and that’s really important to me. I’m committed, 100 per cent.”
The 52-year-old is determined to achieve success at Elland Road before turning his attentions to the international stage.
“What’s important to me is that one day we become successful at Leeds United,” he continued. “One day if I ever get the opportunity, and it’s been something of a privilege this past day or so seeing my name linked, that (Ireland manager) would be a job I really want to do.
“But at this moment I won’t be leaving Leeds United for anyone. In years to come if Leeds United get fed up of me that might be the case, and if I ever get that opportunity then I would love to take it.”
McDermott took over at Elland Road towards the end of last season. He led Reading to promotion to the Premier League in his first full season in charge.
Last night, John Delaney told BBC Radio Leeds: “I am looking at the names being mentioned and I think it will come down to the three leading the market.
“I am looking at Mick McCarthy and Brian McDermott and I know that both men, having spoken to them over the past couple of years, they would both like to get their hands on this job, not necessarily at this stage.”
