Roy Keane believes he deserves another shot at a return to first team management, eight years on from leaving Ipswich Town, but hopes that his reputation has not put off potential employers.
The Nottingham Forest and Manchester United legend has not been in a permanent role since then but has instead worked under Martin O'Neill as the duo took charge of Republic of Ireland and at the City Ground.
But since departing the club in June, hopeful that he would be able to find a role as a permanent manager, Keane has been without a job.
He has through turned his attention to punditry as a regular on Sky Sports' Super Sunday programme and was this week drafted in as a special guest on Monday Night Football where he was asked about his quest for a managerial job and if an opportunity is waiting right around the corner.
"I hope so, I hope so," he answered. "I think it's maybe going to be a long way back for me.
"I hope so though, I want to give it another crack, hopefully I deserve another opportunity."
In his first role in management, Keane enjoyed great success with Sunderland, guiding the club to promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
But with Ipswich he was less successful and was sacked with the club slumped in 21th in the Championship.
"I think you're always learning, there's loads of parts, even dealing with the media if I go back as a manager," continued Keane.
"I felt there was a lot of good stuff I did, at Sunderland, I was disappointed with my stuff at Ipswich, obviously working with Martin [O'Neill] was brilliant.
"I think you're constantly learning about the game. Fingers crossed, I think you need a bit of luck trying to get the right club.
"My concern is, sometimes your reputation, I think I'm down the pecking order with lots of clubs.
"I think it's a long way back for me to try to get a good club, but we'll see."
