Football: Irish keen on Venables

Terry Venables is in the frame for the Northern Ireland manager's job, according to the Irish Football Association president, Jim Boyce.

Boyce said yesterday that he met the former England manager in London on Friday, but he refused to go into details, claiming that Venables was just one leading coach on his short list, which will go before the IFA's international committee for final approval.

Boyce said he obtained permission from Soccer Australia before approaching Venables, who is also chairman of Portsmouth. "I have already spoken to one European coach, who was of the highest order, but his terms were crazy," said Boyce.

Joe Royle, the former Everton manager, joined Ron Atkinson and Bruce Rioch in turning down the Irish last week.