JOHN Aldridge and Joe Kinnear have both indicated they would be ready to step into the breach following Mick McCarthy's departure as Republic of Ireland manager.
However, another favourite David O'Leary has ruled himself out of the running to lead his country.
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McCarthy quit yesterday after six-and-a-half years in charge following overwhelming criticism after the Republic's opening two defeats in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2004 against Russia and Switzerland.
Yet in the summer, he had lead the Republic to within a penalty kick of the World Cup quarter-finals in a campaign which was dominated by the very public fall-out with captain Roy Keane.
"I've always stated that I would be delighted to manage my country and it is a fantastic job for anyone to be associated with," said former Tranmere manager and Liverpool striker Aldridge, who played for his country in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.
"There will be a lot of good managers put their name forward so we will have to wait and see.
"I know all the lads very well indeed but I don't really want to push myself forward and plug myself now - I'll do it in the right manner when the time is right."
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