Kevin Kilbane has described Paul Jewell as "a forward-thinking coach" as the Republic of Ireland search for a new manager.

Of the current players in the Ireland squad, Kilbane knows Jewell well as he was signed by the former Wigan boss from Everton in August last year.

Although Kilbane has not spoken with Jewell regarding the post, he does speak highly of the 43-year-old. "Whether or not he wants it, I don't know," remarked Kilbane. "But he signed me for Wigan, and I always got on well with him, so we will have to wait and see. Last season it all came down to the last game against Sheffield United, and probably his Wigan career will be judged on that. Prior to that he did so well, taking the club up from the old Second Division and winning promotion to the Premier League.

"He then kept them up, took them to the League Cup (final), so he has a good track record hasn't he?

"On the training ground, he was a forward-thinking coach, and he is a good man-motivator.

"I'm sure it will be sorted soon, and it will be good when it is."