Report: Poyet offered & rejected Ireland job this week

Gus Poyet has turned down the chance to manage the Republic of Ireland football team, according to reports in Greece.

The claims, which were reported in the Greek media, suggested Poyet had been offered a five-year deal this week.

However Poyet has rejected the offer, with the report from Nova Sports saying he is keen to continue as Greece manager after his contract expired this week.

The FAI opted not to comment on the claim when contacted by RTÉ Sport, reiterating its policy of not commenting on individuals and restating that an appointment would be made in April.

Poyet’s Greece beat Stephen Kenny’s Ireland twice in the Euro 2024 qualification campaign and the former Chelsea player had expressed his admiration for Irish football in the process and hinted that he may be interested in the job if and when it every came available.

Greece’s Euro qualification hopes were dashed when they lost on penalties to Georgia in their play-off, meaning Poyet’s side will not be heading to Germany for this summer’s tournament.

The 56-year-old managed Brighton and Sunderland in the past with his time in charge of the Mackems coinciding with Irish interim boss John O’Shea’s spell there as a player.

O’Shea has expressed his own interest in the role following friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.

Long-time favourite for the gig, Lee Carsley, ruled himself out of the picture last week.

Irish football’s governing body has repeatedly claimed that it would be in a position to announce Kenny’s permanent replacement in April.

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