Brian Kerr has confirmed that he has applied for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager's job.

Kerr, who has enjoyed remarkable success with Irish youth teams in recent years, revealed that he had submitted a letter of application to the Football Association of Ireland.

The FAI has been on the lookout for a new manager since Mick McCarthy stood down from the job on 6 November.

After McCarthy's departure, Kerr told BBC Sport Online that he would be happy to succeed Mick McCarthy if he was approached about the job.

However after giving the matter further thought, Kerr took the decision to send a submission to the FAI outlining why he should succeed McCarthy.

I believe I am the best person available to build on Mick McCarthy's achievements Brian Kerr

In a statement on Friday, Kerr said that he had been keen on applying for the role as soon as it became available.

"But there were a number of issues that I needed to consider before making a final decision," said Kerr.

"I have been an employee of the FAI for almost six years and I have enjoyed my role as youth team manager and, since 1998, as Technical Director. I

"I believe I am the best person available to build on Mick McCarthy's achievements and I have outlined the rationale in my submission to the Association.

"It is important to clarify my intentions and that is why I am making this anouncement," Kerr added.

Kerr said he would be making no further comment on the job in advance of a possible interview for the position.

Peter Reid (centre): Linked with job

Since McCarthy's resignation, a number of candidates including John Aldridge, Bryan Robson, Joe Kinnear, Kenny Dalglish and former Japan boss Philippe Troussier have been linked with the post.

Kerr has been viewed by bookmakers as an outsider but he has has received backing from sections of the Irish media.

He managed St Patrick's Athletic for 10 years in the League of Ireland, before joining the FAI.

He then famously led the Irish under-16 team to the European championship title in 1998, the under-18s to the Europeans in the same year and a third-place finish in the 1997 world under-20 championship.

In five years in his role, Kerr has led teams to eight major finals, an outstanding record given his lack of resources.