Paul Jewell has left himself open to an approach by the FAI after ruling out a return to Wigan.

Jewell resigned from the Premier League club last season but was linked with a return following Chris Hutchings' sacking last week.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan was desperate to reinstate the 43-year-old but, following informal discussions, Jewell has rejected a return to the JJB Stadium.

He arrived home from Dubai on Sunday and met with Wigan's general manager John Benson yesterday as Whelan is on a business holiday in Barbados.

Jewell guided Wigan into the Premier League but having saved them from relegation last season he is thought not to have favoured another bottom-of-the-table scrap.  Wigan languish second from bottom.

But he wants a return to management and is in the running to succeed Steve Staunton as Republic of Ireland boss following success at club level when working with limited resources.

"After six months away from management, I am ready and willing to return to work," he said last week.

"Any offers that come my way I will consider and I firmly believe I will return to football refreshed and a better manager."

Graeme Souness has also expressed an interest in the Ireland job but is also keen on a return to club management.  Both he and former Luton manager Mike Newell are now favourites for Wigan.