Roy Keane has expressed his support for Martin O'Neill to be appointed as the next Republic of Ireland manager.

Despite being linked with the role himself, the former Ireland and Manchester United midfielder said O’Neill would be “a very, very good choice” and insisted it was not a job that he is considering at this time.

“A lot of managers have been linked with it, a lot of good managers,” Keane said at the Mayfield Community Volunteer Awards in Cork. “I know a little bit about Martin O’Neill and I think Martin would be a very, very good choice.

“I also think the FAI have done the right thing in stepping back, taking their time and seeing what is out there. But I think Martin would be a very good guy for the job, I have to say. But that is just my opinion obviously.”

Keane, who has managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town since hanging up his boots, appeared to have little inclination for the job himself, adding: “I have not thought about it (the Republic of Ireland job) too much to be honest with you. I have more important things to be worried about.”

“No, not really,” he added when asked if he was flattered to be linked with the post. “I shouldn’t be flattered by that, should I?”