Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier has told BBC Sport that he would be "very interested" in becoming the new Republic of Ireland manager.
Martin O'Neill is believed to the Football Association of Ireland's preferred choice to succeed Brian Kerr.
However, Frenchman Troussier, who was interviewed for the job three years ago, could again emerge as a candidate.
"It's an honour to be linked with the job. The financial conditions would also not be a problem," said Troussier.
The 50-year-old, who guided Japan to the second round of the 2002 World Cup finals, added that the chance to manage the Republic "would be too good an opportunity to refuse".
Troussier is currently in the frame for the vacant Moroccan national team job and also has an offer from a "big club in Turkey" but he hinted that the Irish role was the one which interests him the most.
 |  To take a decision to employ a foreign coach would not be so easy |
The Frenchman is fully aware that the FAI's preferred candidates appear to be O'Neill and Sir Alex Ferguson.
He has not been contacted by the FAI about the current vacancy but is hoping that the call may come again after he narrowly missed out on the job in January 2003.
Troussier acknowledged that there would be some doubts about the wisdom of employing a foreign coach.
"To take a decision to employ a foreign coach would not be so easy and makes it even more of a victory for me that my name is being linked with this job.
"It would be a great challenge. I have my experience and my personality and I have been the national coach with six federations."
Troussier added that he was "surprised" by the Republic's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in Germany.
"Everybody expected a good performance against Switzerland and the display was a surprise.
| To accept this kind of job is not for the money |
"I thought the Irish team deserved to go to Germany but in football, nothing is logical and you have to go and play the matches."
He added that he would relish the task of having to bring in "new blood" which is likely to a large part of the new manager's job.
"I like this kind of process. When I took charge of the Japanese team I was in charge of three categories - the senior team, the Olympic team and the Under-19s."
The Frenchman suggested that he would not drive a hard financial bargain with the FAI.
"If I want to get money, I know where I have to go. To accept this kind of job is not for the money."
Troussier has also had spells in charge of South Africa, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Qatar.
He took charge of Marseille last November and appeared to be unfortunate to lose that job in the summer after the club just missed out on a Uefa Cup place.
MMIX
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