McCarthy quit yesterday after six-and-a-half years in charge following overwhelming criticism after the Republic’s opening two defeats in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2004 against Russia and Switzerland.

Yet in the summer, he had led Ireland to within a penalty kick of the World Cup quarter-finals in a campaign which was dominated by the very public fall-out with captain Roy Keane.

“I’ve always stated that I would be delighted to manage my country and it is a fantastic job for anyone to be associated with,” said former Tranmere manager and Liverpool striker Aldridge, who played for his country in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

“There will be a lot of good managers put their name forward so we will have to wait and see.

“I know all the lads very well indeed but I don’t really want to push myself forward and plug myself now – I’ll do it in the right manner when the time is right.”

However, Aldridge remains the bookies‘ favourite with another former Irish international Kinnear also known to be in the running.

The boss of Second Division Luton Town turned down the chance to manage the international team after Jack Charlton’s resignation.

“It’s one of the top jobs in international football,” said Kinnear. “I’d certainly take if it came my way again.”

But former Leeds boss David O’Leary has already ruled himself out of the running – at this particular time.

“I want to manage my country, but if I was asked now then I think I would have to decline because I want to get back into mainstream, day-to-day management with a football club itself,” said O’Leary, who immortalised himself in Irish soccer folklore by scoring the penalty in a shoot-out with Romania which sent the Republic through to the last eight of Italia 90

“When I have that out of my system I hope the FAI will come and ask me then. That’s not for many years to come, but I would like to finish my management career off by managing the national team.”