Steve Bruce reckons he is at the right age for international management - and he has hinted at a possible Ireland double-act with Roy Keane.
However, the former Manchester United centre-half stressed that he would have no interest in the Boys in Green gig until the job was available, describing the speculation as “disrespectful” while Stephen Kenny is still in the job.
Bruce (62) has been out of management since an eight-month spell at West Brom ended in October of last year.
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A Premier League winner at Manchester United as a player, he has managed several clubs, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Wigan.
As for a potential role with Ireland, he told Gambling Zone: “I've stated before that I'd like to get back into management, but I find speculation when there's a manager in place to be very disrespectful.
“The current manager had a big game against New Zealand, and hearing speculation about him being sacked is really disrespectful. I've been there myself.
“I'm looking to get back into football, whether that's an international job, a director of football, an assistant to an up-and-coming manager, or a consultation role.
“I'm open to anything as I miss the game. International management would appeal to me at my age, but I find speculation disrespectful while a manager is in place.
“Once the manager position is free, then they (FAI) can give me a call.”
Bruce would currently be down the pecking order at Abbotstown, with former Ireland midfielder and current England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley believed to be at the top of the list.
However, he does have Irish heritage. His mum was born in Bangor and it was through that link that his son Alex played international football for both the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Asked about potentially teaming up with Roy Keane, he said: “It's been four years since Roy managed, and of course he'd be on everybody's lips when it comes to Ireland - he’s always box office.
“Roy going back into football wouldn't surprise me. He may have made himself into the face of punditry, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him back in football as I know he loves it.
“I see Roy a lot as he goes to Salford games if he's not working on a Saturday. My son-in-law plays there, too, so I see a lot of their games.
“It wouldn't surprise me to see Roy go back to any job in football.
“It wouldn't surprise me to see Roy take up a role at Man United. We all know how highly he's thought of at the club as he was there for 13 years and served as a huge captain for them.
“Who knows? I'm sure he'd be open to any discussion.”
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