Gerry Armstrong won 63 caps for Northern Ireland

Gerry Armstrong has expressed interest in becoming the next manager of Northern Ireland but another former international Jimmy Quinn appears to have ruled himself out of the equation.

Armstrong told the BBC that he would "definitely consider" himself a candidate to succeed Sammy McIlroy.

"It's something I would be interested in," said Armstrong.

"International football is close to my heart. I played 63 times for Northern Ireland over 10 years and in two World Cups.

"I was assistant to Bryan Hamilton not too many years ago and we did really well. In actual fact, Bryan's record was second to none".

But while Armstrong has thrown his hat into the ring, his former striking partner Jimmy Quinn has indicated that the time is "probably not right" for him to be considered for the role.

The current Shrewsbury Town boss says it is his "lifetime's ambition" to take the Northern Ireland job.

"What I'd have to say is that I've got a big job here to do in Shrewsbury and the timing probably wouldn't be right for me at the moment," Quinn told the Shropshire Star.

Oldham boss Iain Dowie is the early favourite to succeed McIlroy

"But it's something I'd certainly look to do in the future".

Quinn feels the Irish FA might do well to consider appointing a foreign coach, following the pattern of England and Scotland.

"They might go foreign - usually they go for homegrown but it might be a case of them going for someone from the European mainland to lift their spirits".

IFA officials will meet inside the next two weeks to begin the process of appointing his successor.

There is no reason for the international committee to rush as Northern Ireland have a blank calendar after finishing bottom of their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign.

McIlroy quits NI job

Iain Dowie, Danny Wilson and Jimmy Nicholl are among the names that are being bandied about.

Alan McDonald, who was part of backroom team during McIlroy's reign, has already thrown his hat into the ring but almost certainly lacks the experience to be regarded as a serious contender.

Dowie has an impressive track record at Oldham and his credentials have already been advanced by Northern Ireland midfielder Michael Hughes.

"He would get my backing. No disrespect to the IFA but I don't think they will be breaking down the doors to get to this job".

Sammy was very down after last weekend's game in Greece Keith Gillespie

Hughes said he was shocked to hear that McIlroy had quit.

"It is disappointing for he is a decent manager and a decent man.

"I got on quite well with him and I am sorry to hear that he is leaving".

David Healy and Keith Gillespie also said that they were sorry to hear of McIlroy's decision.

"I've a lot to thank Sammy for," said Healy, who played in every match during McIlroy's reign.

"Sammy was very down after last weekend's game in Greece and it was the lowest that we've ever seen him," said Gillespie.