Souness says Rangers ties are 'not a stumbling block'

SOCCER:Graeme Souness once again expressed his interest in succeeding Steve Staunton as Republic of Ireland manager when asked about the position on RTÉ on Saturday, this time insisting that his past association with Glasgow Rangers, where he was both a player and manager, should be no hindrance to his candidature, despite having earlier said he "would be a bit concerned at how some people might perceive me in Ireland".

"It's certainly not a stumbling block for me," he said. "If it was an issue for too many people then it wouldn't be a job I'd want."

The 54-year-old, who has been in charge of Rangers, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United in a managerial career spanning 21 years, said that the Irish job was an attractive one, and would appeal to several candidates.

"I think I'm like most people who are involved in the game professionally or have been, they see the potential in the job," he said. "There is a group of players there who, for whatever reason, didn't get it right in the last qualification and I think with a bit of luck and a bit of organisation I'd be confident of doing a job there.

"It's attractive to me. I've managed several big clubs throughout Europe, I've enjoyed success with clubs and won things, I had a fantastic playing career, played for my country 50-odd times, so I'm aware of what's involved with international football and it would excite me."

Shay Given, meanwhile, is a doubt for Ireland's final Euro 2008 qualifying game against Wales in Cardiff on November 17th after suffering a groin injury his club fears is a recurrence of the one that resulted in him missing the start of the season. "It will be two or three weeks," said Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce. "It's a little bit of a worry because it's another groin injury."

Given missed Newcastle's 4-1 home defeat by Portsmouth and is definitely ruled out of next weekend's derby against Sunderland.