Colin Farrell will soon be seen in historical epic Alexander

Brosnan, 51, said several actors could play the famous secret agent role. "But I'll give it to Colin Farrell. He'll eat the head off them all," he said.

He was speaking at the Irish Film and TV Awards in Dublin on Saturday.

Brosnan has played Bond in the last four 007 films - it is still not clear if he will take up the role again in the 21st film, due out next year.

There were reports earlier this year that Bond producers wanted Farrell to take over from Brosnan.

Pierce Brosnan's Bond contract ran out in 2002

The 28-year-old actor has become known as a Hollywood hellraiser. His film credits include Minority Report, Phone Booth, Daredevil and forthcoming epic Alexander.

However in May, Brosnan said Farrell was "a great actor but I don't think he's right for Bond".

At that time, the current 007 tipped Clive Owen or Hugh Jackman.

On Saturday, Brosnan also said he was in talks with director Quentin Tarantino, who is considering a remake of original Bond novel Casino Royale.