Former Sunderland boss Peter Reid has admitted he would be interested in taking over as manager of the Republic of Ireland.

Reid, sacked after seven years at Sunderland last month, claims he would welcome an approach from the Football Association of Ireland.

"I think Mick McCarthy has done a fantastic job there following big Jack (Charlton)," he told Sky Sports News. "It is a country which is close to my heart and I would be interested in talking to them, but I don't want to tout for the job.

"At the moment I am quite happy with what I am doing at this time, just enjoying my rest.

"They have got some good players," he added. "It is something I have read about and that I wouldn't dismiss."

Other potential candidates for the post include former Ireland international striker John Aldridge, whose managerial experience was with lower league Tranmere Rovers, and Joe Kinnear, the current Luton Town and former Wimbledon manager, whose turning the job down paved the way for McCarthy being taken on in 1996.