Shay Given backs Damien Duff, Roy Keane and Robbie Keane for Ireland manager job

Shay Given has weighed in on the saga to find a new Ireland manager, throwing fellow Irish veterans Damien Duff, Robbie Keane and even Roy Keane's names into the mix.

September is a long way away, but that is the new deadline set to find an Ireland manager by the FAI's director of football Marc Canham when the initial target of April wasn't met.

At an event in association with Just Eat ahead of the upcoming Europa League final in Dublin, the former Irish goalkeeper and Donegal native entertained the subject and provided his thoughts on the saga.

Given stressed that "by the looks of things, we’re going to have a manager who is going to do straight in at the deep end and not have that preparation. For me that’s not ideal, no".

“There’s candidates out there of course but is there a name that everyone would be happy with it? Of course, not,” he continued.

“That’s the nature of the job. Everyone’s got different opinions. Look at Robbie Keane, the job he’s doing, brilliant job.

“Damien Duff doing a brilliant job at Shelbourne, passionate about playing for his country, both of them. Roy Keane’s been mentioned. He’d be box office wouldn’t he if he came into Irish set-up as manager?

“I think underage stuff in 2024 should be running a lot smoother than what it is, investment in grassroots, and the next generation should be there without whoever’s in charge.

“We’re miles behind other countries. Is that previous leadership problems, or current leadership?"

Given also seemed to hint at a managerial contender closer to his Donegal home, saying the county's football coach Jim McGuinness "has that personality, presence in Donegal, and up and down the country,’ he said.

“We talk about the Ireland manager situation but one guy, once you can lead a group of people and a group of men and a group of players to believe again, to get results, and obviously the county is buzzing again.”

Given's home county are currently basking in the glory of landing another Ulster football title under Jim McGuinness.

The former Irish goalkeeper was working at Old Trafford for Arsenal’s decisive title clash against Manchester United when Donegal eventually emerged victorious over Armagh on penalties.

“I had one eye on the phone and it was hopping about the scores because it was a mad game,” he admits. “I texted Jim after the game on Sunday, said 'well done, congratulations', it was a typical answer, he said we'll 'keep fighting, keep pushing'.

"I'm not saying the good times are back as we'd like to win an All-Ireland but we're definitely back on the right road and he seems like the perfect fit."