Domenech reveals Republic of Ireland dream

The ex-France coach says that he has an admiration for the Irish that he has led him to want to take charge of the team he infamously eliminated from World Cup 2010 qualification

Former France manager Ramond Domenech has revealed his desire to manage the Republic of Ireland.

The 63-year-old steered France to the final of the 2006 World Cup and was also at the helm when they infamously eliminated Ireland in the 2010 World Cup qualifying play-offs, when Thierry Henry's contentious handball went unpunished in the lead up to William Gallas' decisive goal.

Domenech's tenure as head coach came to an end on a sour note at the World Cup finals as France finished bottom of Group A and players protested.

He has since been out of coaching but recently revealed that he has aspirations of coaching the nation due to his adoration of the fans' joyous attitude towards the game and supporting their country.

"There's a national team that I have dreamed of coaching for ages: Republic of Ireland," Domenech told Ma Chaine Sport.

"I have been back there since 2009 and I have had a few drinks with some Irish. I love those people, I love their spirit. I have been in the stands for games, it was amazing. Whether it be football or rugby, they don't make the opposing fans enemies.

"They're friends who do something with each other. They drink with the opposition, party with them, they go head-to-head and, once it's finished, they go home."

Ireland are currently coached by Martin O'Neill and are placed level on points with reigning world champions Germany in Euro 2016 qualification after four out of 10 games played.