Venables denies contact but is keen to talk

Republic of Ireland Manager's job: In an interview with Sky Sports television yesterday the former Tottenham and Barcelona boss Terry Venables denied having had any contact with the FAI over the vacant Ireland manager's job.

It is understood, however, that the 62-year-old, who has not worked as a full-time coach since leaving Leeds in March 2003, would be interested in the post and would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with the association.

"I've not been approached for the Republic of Ireland job and I've not applied for it," was as much as Venables would say yesterday but Ted Buxton, a close associate of his for many years, hinted in an interview on BBC radio that he (Buxton) had been contacted by representatives of the FAI who, he said, wanted to hold preliminary talks with the Englishman.

Other sources close to the veteran manager and media pundit said that he would be interested in the post. They backed his public position by stating that no discussions had been taken place between the two parties up to this point.

Venables has become the focus of attention after bookmakers claimed on Tuesday that there had been a number of substantial bets placed on him to succeed Brian Kerr.

The odds on him being appointed slipped back yesterday after FAI officials dismissed the suggestion that he was on the verge of being appointed, his agent described the rumours as "self-generating" and he himself denied the story.

It is believed that an appointment is, in fact, at least a matter of several weeks away and may not be made until some time early in the new year with one observer describing the process as still being in its "very early stages".

Despite Martin O'Neill already ruling himself out of the running to succeed Kerr, his former top striker has said the Derry man would be "perfect" for the job.

Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson, who enjoyed the best spell of his seven-year Celtic career under O'Neill before leaving in 2004, said: "He is a great, great manager. He would probably be perfect but there are other important things in life as well.

"That is what he is talking care of at the moment but I would think he would be an ideal candidate for any job."

O'Neill resigned his Parkhead position at the end of last season due to his wife's illness.

Meanwhile, Cork City expect to sell the last tickets for next weekend's Eircom League clash with Derry City today.

Club officials said yesterday that tickets have been selling quickly over the past few days and that the last of the 7,000 or so being made available will be on sale from the club shop priced €13 (adults) and €5 (under-18s and OAPs) this morning.