Graeme Souness has expressed an interest in taking charge of the Republic of Ireland. The former Liverpool and Rangers manager has been out of work since leaving Newcastle early last year.
The Football Association of Ireland are looking for a new manager following the departure of Steve Staunton last week.
Souness said: "If I was offered the Ireland job, I would be very interested. "Why wouldn't any manager be keen on leading such a great country's football team, working with a squad which I believe has a lot of potential?"
But the 54-year-old, who has also had spells in charge of Galatasaray, Torino, Benfica, Southampton and Blackburn, admitted he does have some reservations about how well his Rangers connections would go down in Ireland. Players from the Glasgow club have been abused by Irish fans in the past.
He added: "As a former Rangers manager I would be a bit concerned at how some people might perceive me in Ireland."
Bobby Robson, meanwhile, spoke of his sympathy for Staunton in his Mail on Sunday column, while confirming he would step down from his role as Republic of Ireland football consultant after the final Euro 2008 qualifying game in Wales next month.
He said, "I came in with Stan and it wouldn't be right to work for another full-time manager . . . I have decided to honour my contract with the FAI and work at the match in Cardiff."