Former Everton and Manchester City manager Howard Kendall has revealed he made contact with the FAI about the possibility of succeeding Steve Staunton as manager of the Republic of Ireland.

"I've had long enough (nine years) out of it now," said the 61-year-old yesterday, "and I feel it would be perfect for me and hopefully for them. I've made some enquiries."

Kendall, whose career in club management fizzled out after an impressive spell at Everton during the 1980s when he won two league titles and FA Cup and a European Cup Winners Cup, denied his extended time away from the game, since his third spell in charge of the Merseyside outfit ended in 1998, made him an unlikely choice for the job.

"I am in touch with the modern game," he said. "I write a column in the local newspaper and I go and watch Premier League football every week. And I know who I would put in place (as his assistant).

"If he was interested, the likes of Peter Beardsley, I think would be superb. I have spoken to Peter and he said he would love to work with me again."