Robbie Keane has revealed that his Republic of Ireland contract outlasts Mick McCarthy’s.
But that is still no guarantee he will join Stephen Kenny’s staff when Kenny succeeds McCarthy in August 2020.
“I’m here to assist Mick in trying to qualify for the Euros so we’ll see after that – it has to be re-evaluated,” said Keane.
“The FAI want me to stay on. My contract is longer than the manager. It’s a few years. They want me to hang on.
“My contract is what it is and I’ll be here. If they don’t want me, no problem. At some stage there’s going to have to be a conversation.
“But let’s just focus on trying to get to the Euros and see what happens after that. That’s all I’m worried about.”
Assistant boss Keane spoke publicly this week for the first time since being appointed to McCarthy’s staff in late November.
And he was quizzed on the unusual managerial succession strategy that sees Kenny replace McCarthy after just one campaign.
“It is what it is,” he said. “They have the plan. It’s in place. That’s the way they want to go. Mick is a top manager. Stephen has been a great manager in the League of Ireland.
“It is what it is. Do I have any problem? No. We knew exactly what we were getting into and Mick knew exactly what he was getting into.
“Mick is fine with it and so long as he’s fine with it, that’s all that matters.”
Keane continued: “I always thought I’d get the opportunity to work for the FAI. I’ve had a couple of opportunities over the last year which I didn’t think were right for me.
“It happened fairly quickly after I retired which is great for me and I’m delighted with that.”
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