Venables open to Republic offer

Venables is being tipped to succeed Steve Staunton but he said on Sunday that he had not yet been approached by the Football Association of Ireland.

"If it comes around I will think about it then but not before," said the former England manager.

The FAI have asked Republic under-21 manager Don Givens and Don Howe to conduct the search for a new manager.

When asked about the speculation linking him with the Republic job, Venables joked: "I was asked if I have heard from Ireland. I said I hadn't even heard from Scotland."

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Venables lost his job as England assistant last month after Steve McLaren's sacking.

A vastly experienced coach at club level, he also had a spell in charge of Australia.

Venables said: "I have enjoyed the international experience. It wasn't as good as we wanted it (with England) by any stretch of the imagination.

"I like big challenges. In the main I have not been unhappy with the challenges I have taken on."

Venables was speaking after being in charge of an England Legends XI that lost 3-2 to a Rest of a World Legends XI, led by Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at The City of Manchester Stadium.

The aim of the game, organised by the Professional Footballers' Association in their centenary year, was to raise £1million for a new unit at a children's' hospital in Manchester.

Venables added: "It was good fun and main thing was to raise money for charity."

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