Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon will not be the next manager of Ireland, according to a report. The 52-year-old has been heavily linked with the vacancy after Stephen Kenny left the role.
However, Belfast Live are reporting that Lennon has been contacted and informed that he will not take over from Kenny.
Lennon, who enjoyed immense success as a player and a manager with Celtic, is said to have called on Sunday and informed by Marc Canham, FAI Director of Football, that they would be progressing with other candidates.
It will come as a blow to Lennon, who would probably have been an excellent international manager given his ability to get players up for big games.
Lee Carsley remains the front runner with the England U21 boss coy on his future. The Irishman is said to be focusing on England U21s fixtures in the coming weeks rather than entertaining any talk of the Aviva Stadium vacancy.
Lennon won ten titles with Celtic, eight Scottish Cups and three league cups in two spells as manager and as a player. He will always be a Celtic legend but it was clear that his time as manager was up. Lennon will be recognised for all that he has done for the club but it remains to be seen where his next role will be.
