Former international Staunton sets management goal

Aston Villa captain Steve Staunton said today he would like to eventually manage the Republic of Ireland but had no interest …

Aston Villa captain Steve Staunton said today he would like to eventually manage the Republic of Ireland but had no interest in filling the current vacancy created by Mick McCarthy's departure.

The former Ireland defender, who retired from international football after the World Cup, said: "I don't know what the FAI are looking for, if I did I'd be down the bookies.

"It's not on my agenda and it would be hypothetical to suggest they'd phone me," Staunton (33) told today's Birmingham Evening Mail.

"I would like one day to manage my country, of course, but I've got a lot of learning to do.

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"When I see what happens in football, it's a bit of a crazy world but I'm sure one day I would like to give management a shot."

But in the meantime Staunton wants to continue playing in the Premiership with Birmingham giants Villa.

"No matter what age I am, I know what I can offer. And I think that's been proved over the last year or two since I've come back," (from Liverpool for a second spell at Villa Park).

"I can't influence everybody and the way they want to see things. The only thing I can influence is what happens on a Saturday when I'm playing.

"I want to play as many games as I can this season and we'll take it from there.

"If they don't want to offer me a contract, I've no problems with that. That's their decision.

"All I can do is keep myself fit and keep playing. And if I keep doing what I have been doing this season, I'll be quite pleased."

AFP