WILLY SAGNOL has seemingly ruled himself out of becoming the next Republic of Ireland manager.
The FAI’s search for Stephen Kenny‘s successor is into its seventh month, following the St Pat’s boss’ exit last November.
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Former France international, and current Georgia head coach, Willy Sagnol is among the names who have been linked with the position.
However, when asked by the Irish Independent’s Daniel McDonnell about the vacancy, the 47-year-old insisted his focus was on Georgia, whom he has led to Euro 2024.
It is their first major competition, with their first game being against Turkey on Wednesday.
And he said: “You know, as you can imagine, it’s really not the moment to talk about it
“I’m every day talking with my boss in Georgia, my president, vice president and the situation is very clear between each other.
“It looks like they appreciate working with me and I also use this time to say that I appreciate working with them.
“It’s not the right time for it (more discussion about his future) but I very much appreciate working in Georgia, the way it is
“And of course, I can consider myself working in Georgia for Georgia for the next years.”
In the absence of a permanent head coach, the FAI has twice installed John O’Shea as interim boss.
His first spell was in March, which saw the Boys in Green draw 0-0 with Belgium and lose 1-0 to Switzerland in a pair of friendlies.
Then, in June, he was back in the seat for a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary and, finally, a 3-0 defeat to a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal.
The FAI is expected to have a full-time boss at the helm in time for the opening UEFA Nations League game against England in September.
Several Ireland players have come out in support of the Waterford man getting the job on a full-time basis, including Dara O’Shea.
The Burnley defender said: “There’s been a lot of work put in by John and the staff so to go into the Nations League with a new manager is going to be difficult for the group, having to learn a lot of new ideas so quickly.
“But as football players we know these things happen and we know we’ve got to deal with whatever is put on our plate.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing under him.
“I thought the atmosphere around the camp was brilliant. Lads are enjoying their football.
“The wealth of knowledge he and his coaching staff have of international football is unbelievable so it’s great for us younger players.”