McDermott maintains Irish ambition

Reading boss Brian McDermott has maintained his ambition to one day manage the Republic of Ireland, admitting he should have stuck with Irish elligence.

The 51-year old is English but has Irish connections through both of his parents, despite growing up in England. McDermott, who was a nifty winger in his playing days, did not go on to represent England at youth or main level, but could not change his allegiance to Irish in those times. It was something the former Slough boss has lived to regret.

Speaking to RTE Sport, McDermott said: 'Kenny Sansom, who was a senior player with Arsenal at the time, said that I would go on to play U-21 and then become a full England international. A couple of years later I realised it was a big mistake. I live in England, and I`m not ashamed of that, but being Irish is in my blood.'

'Ever since then it has been a goal of mine to manage Ireland. It was an error on my part to line-out for England, and I have told my friends that. You have career paths in life - and I`m determined to realise my long-held ambition. It was Don Howe that suggested I play for the English youths. Don was a big influence at Arsenal at the time. I suppose I was pressurised into doing it.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.