Who would you put in charge? And should Roy Keane be invited back?

Reports in France have said that the Football Association of Ireland want to sound out Troussier about his possible availability for the position.

The Frenchman has already turned down an offer to manage China and has said that he will not be returning to Asia.

Peter Reid, Bryan Robson, John Aldridge and Joe Kinnear have also been linked to the job.

Who should take over? And is it time for Big Roy to return?

No way! The bloke is as mad as cheese, or even madder. When he was in the running for the French job, over here in France they showed a rather revealing small report on his time as coach of South Africa.

The main features of this were him deliberately firing a free-kick full pelt into a defensive wall who were covering their marriage furniture, screaming in a Maurice Chevalier accent, "Don't be afraid of ze ball!", turning away in disgust and then suddenly running at his players to trade blows with them (in typical schoolyard scrap fashion: eyes closed, head tilted away, arms flailing).

At the end of the report, whilst acknowledging that the other candidates had better CVs, the journalist said in his defence that Troussier was "committed". I half expected him to add "to a psychiatric ward".

An unsuitable candidate if ever there was one; all the more so if Roy Keane comes back into the fold - if he got the hump with McCarthy, I can't see how he'll appreciate being slapped by Troussier.
Roland, France

Troussier would be brilliant for Ireland. Scotland should have been patient and gone for the younger man.
Sam Clark, Scotland

What I love about the Irish team and the supporters, is the Irish spirit. Charlton and McCarthy both had it. Since Charlton's departure we have brought more home-grown talent through, and this fosters even greater Irishness.

That is what made me proud when I watched the Spanish World Cup game. We should not underestimate cultural differences. The coach should be from the UK (if not Ireland). Let's keep the French out, they are no craic at all.
Paddy, Belgium

Troussier's experience is mainly confined to Africa and the Far East. He is a product of the French coaching system - coaching seems to be afforded more importance in France.

I agree with most of the other writers - why look so far from home when we have a proven coach, albeit at youth and under-21 level, in Brian Kerr and several other good candidates in Aldridge/Houghton, Kinnear, Reid/Quinn?

My preference would be Martin O'Neill but we can't afford him and if he ever does leave Celtic, I think we all know where he is likely to be going.
Stephen, UAE, United Arab Emirates

There is only one sensible choice for the job: JOHN ALDRIDGE. The commitment he has shown representing his country and when managing Tranmere speaks for itself. He IS the people's choice.
Gary Payne, England

Give the job to Brian Kerr, he deserves it. He has had a lot of success with some of the younger players already in the squad and he has earned their respect. Regarding Roy Keane, when he asks to return and apologises, only then should he be considered.
Noel Kenny, Canada/Ireland

What about Terry Venables? He'll be out of a job soon.
Danny L, St.Helens, England

Please, anyone but Dalglish, he ruined Liverpool, Newcastle and Celtic.
James Quigley, France

He would be brilliant for us, but I would prefer an Irishman for the job!
Mark Cullen, Belfast

Troussier is the latest manager to be linked to the Irish post, which will without doubt leave all Irish supporters with their heads in their hands. Ireland have the nucleus of a cracking team, and I believe we should have done better in the World Cup than we did. The two matches in the European Qualifiers have been nothing short of scandalous.

Why can we not have a good manager with plenty of experience, like Dalglish, instead of another second-rate manager like Troussier or Aldridge being linked to the post? If we had a good manager in charge, this team could do more than go to the European Championships!
Rodders, Ireland

Brian Kerr is the best name in the hat at the moment. George Graham, Brian Kerr or Martin O'Neill are the only coaches, who could take us on to win European Championships in Portugal.
Paul, Belfast

McCarthy was hounded out because he didn't appear Irish enough when the going got bad. Troussier is another foreign manager without insight into the unique Irish system. I believe Kerr to be the natural choice as peacemaker.
James, London, UK

John Aldridge and Niall Quinn, plain and simple. Throughout their career's they have shown the shown the utmost professionalism. Both have experience of playing for Ireland at the highest level and can relate to the players. Don't make the same mistake as Scotland.
Keith Whalen, UK

Although Troussier has a wealth of experience in international football, I don't think he's suitable. We need an Irish coach or at least somebody with knowledge of the players and the existing set-up.

My choice would be either Aldridge or to take a gamble on Brian Kerr, who's had plenty of success with youth teams in the past
Sam, Spain

Ireland have plenty of time to select their coach and should use that time to interview as many people as possible then make a selection. It should not be rushed.
Paul McGrillen, Ballynahinch , N. Ireland

Troussier is, as we Japanese have observed for a couple of years, a strong and stubborn man who tries to get his way over anything or anybody else, regardless of whether it's good or bad. He is ready to confront anyone or any organisation, including Roy Keane and the FAI.

He won't give in to the public pressure as easily as Mick McCarthy did. Expect lots of conflict and difficulty. But if he goes through all the possible hardships, he could change the way the Irish football has been managed. He is a poisonous herb which may be turned into an effective medicine. < BR> Hiro Ishiwata, Japan

Brian Kerr is the man for the job. He's been the mentor of Duff, Keane (Robbie), O'Shea and a few more at under age level. Troussier is not required. Come on FAI, do something right for a change.
Michael, UK

Just because the media loves all things Man Utd, it doesn't mean that the public do. Keane is lucky to be invited back to play by the Premier League. If Ireland let him back, they lose all respect from the football world, and McCarthy's departure will be an even bigger blow than it is already.
Nick, England

We need someone with experience working with Premiership players. As for Roy Keane, it would be great to see him back, but if he expects people to beg he can forget it. He has to accept that he is not bigger than the team.
Dermot Quigley, Dublin, Ireland

Ask Keane, he seems to be the person who needs to OK the new appointment.
Andy Shanks, England

I am a small boy who will be asking Santa for two things this Christmas: a Scalextric and a ban on the word "Keane" in any piece of journalism. Is anyone else sick of this yet?
Shane, Ireland

Troussier is useless - his record as a player and now a manager confirms this. OK, he's done half a decent job for Japan but Ireland may become worse than they already are. I'd say Niall Quinn would be an ideal candidate!
Dully, UK

As a South African I would like to recommend Ireland do not ask Troussier. He was our manager for a while and not only was he useless he had no desire for the job and spent most of his time complaining. I recommend John Aldridge.
Gavin Mannion, London, UK