Dunne wants Carsley as new Ireland boss after Kenny's exit

Richard Dunne has labelled former international team-mate Lee Carsley his "dream hire" for the Republic of Ireland manager job.

Stephen Kenny's exit was confirmed last night following the 1-1 draw with New Zealand on Tuesday evening, which proceeded a dismal Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in which the Boys in Green lost six of their eight matches.

A statement from the FAI read: "The board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024."

With the role now vacant, ex-Ireland centre-back Dunne believes England Under-21s boss Carsley is tailor-made to be Kenny's successor.

The 44-year-old told LiveScore: "For me it's always about the results and qualification — and supporting the Irish identity, playing with intensity and aggression.

"The dream hire for me would be Carsley. He's done his thing with England and obviously he played for Ireland.

"Carsley is obviously doing very well with England but if Ireland could tempt him away, he's someone who can get the best out of what he's got.

"With the U21s he always has to chop and change his squad, be adaptable — and that's a skill the next Ireland manager will certainly need."

Not good enough

Kenny won just six of his 29 competitive matches as Ireland boss, with their only two wins in Euro 2024 qualifying coming home and away against minnows Gibraltar.

Dunne is well aware the Irish have not been good enough in recent times but stresses the current group of players are capable of reviving the nation's status.

He said: "The simple fact is Ireland were not good enough [to qualify for Euro 2024]. We've not performed.

"Over Kenny's reign as manager, we've gone backwards. Ireland drew with New Zealand who are 103rd in the world rankings.

"The style of football Ireland play has tried to be changed and we've just not won games.

"I believe we have a group of players who have the abilities to perform very well, whether they qualify for tournaments or not.

"Kenny stuck too much to his guns and his philosophy, without taking into account the players available to him and making sure he gets the best out of them individually.

"We've become almost easy to play against and it's been tough to watch.

"However, one positive from Kenny is he brought in 28 new players for debuts and given the side more options. It's now about getting the right man in to give them the best chance."

Fantastic Ferguson

Another positive for Ireland is Evan Ferguson's emergence — and Dunne believes the 19-year-old sensation would be wise to remain at Brighton beyond this season.

He added: "Brighton is the right place for Evan at the moment. He's going to get plenty of minutes on the pitch to really develop and has a manager who believes in him.

"In 18 months or so it might be time for him to move and Chelsea could be a potential destination.

"And maybe Arsenal, they are a team that create a lot of chances and are also crying out for a No9.

"Evan's got that ability to drop deep too, so he can mix it up and help Arsenal change their style of play when required."