Roy Keane said managing the Republic of Ireland would “appeal” to him as the former Manchester United captain spoke about possibly returning to management.
Keane, 52, was part of Martin O’Neill’s Republic coaching team between 2013 and 2018.
“International football, I enjoyed it when I was a coach,” Keane said on the Stick to Football YouTube show.
“I liked the dynamics of it where you’re not in every day and it’s not about bringing players in and dealing with the board every week or the academy. Yeah, that [international football] does appeal.”
Keane, who has not managed since leaving Ipswich in 2011, added: “I did enjoy the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin with the Irish team.
“We had a little bit of success and when you’ve had a bit of success then it’s brilliant, but obviously there are disappointments.
“So yeah, that could be an option.”
Keane, who won 67 Republic caps between 1991 and 2005, began his coaching career when he took the Sunderland job in 2006.
While he led the Black Cats to Premier League promotion in his first season in charge, he left the role in December 2008.
Keane, who won eight Premier League titles and the Champions League as a United player, spent just less than two years at Ipswich before he was dismissed in January 2011.
Working under O’Neill with the Republic, Keane helped them qualify for the Euro 2016 finals in France before the pair left their roles in November 2018.
Keane was also part of O’Neill’s backroom team at Nottingham Forest during the second half of the 2018-19 season.
‘I’m not desperate to sign any contract’
When quizzed by former United team-mate Gary Neville on a possible return to club management, Keane said: “Not that you’re going to get the Real Madrid job, but it’s got to be the right challenge, the right club, it’s got to be the right contract, can you bring your staff?
“I discuss this all the time. I’ve had opportunities, but sometimes you get offered a contract and you have to look at it with self-worth, is it the right deal for you or whatever?
“I’d like to go back into management, but I’m not desperate to sign any contract for anybody.”
He added: “The off-field stuff, dealing with board members, that is tough. That can sap your energy.
“Unless you’re at a well-run club, there are those challenges off the pitch. If it was just about going in and working with the team, it would be great.”
The Republic are expected to appoint Kenny’s successor before their friendly matches against Belgium and Switzerland in March.
The Irish team struggled during the three-year tenure of former Dundalk and Derry City boss Kenny, who managed just 11 wins in 40 matches and failed to secure qualification for a major tournament.
Former Republic midfielder Lee Carsley has also been linked with the job, while ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon last week expressed his interest in the role during an episode of The GAA Social.
