I fancied United job, says Didier

Jan 25 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

FORMER Juventus manager Didier Deschamps has admitted he was interested in managing Newcastle United before Kevin Keegan was given the job.

At one stage, on the day Keegan returned to St James’s Park for a second spell as manager, the odds on the Frenchman getting the job were dramatically cut amid reports of an approach for the World Cup-winning captain.

Deschamps is keen for a return to management after leaving Juventus, having guided the famous Turin club back into Serie A. And in a radio interview he has admitted that despite their current lack of European football, and the slim prospects of any next season, he would have been interested in taking the job on Tyneside.

“I was interested and would have studied that option, but I did not have live contacts with the club,” he admitted. “They are not a top-four club but have a big history and a billionaire as boss.

“It would have been interesting, but as soon as they contacted Kevin Keegan I knew it was over. I am not rushed by anything, I will manage again in the future, it is a question of opportunities and of a club’s plans.”

Meanwhile, Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder this week.

Krul is on loan from Newcastle at Scottish Premier League side Falkirk until the end of the season, where he has been sent to gain extra experience. But for the time being he will be forced to watch from the sidelines after being stretchered off in the Bairns’ Scottish Cup defeat to Aberdeen.

The 19-year-old has impressed in Scotland, having been at Falkirk all season. He saved a penalty in the 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen and his absence will be a major blow to the club.

“It’s very disappointing,” said Bairns boss John Hughes. “I really feel for him, it was a great save from the penalty. We’ll all support him and hopefully he makes a speedy recovery.”

Damien Duff is set to make his international comeback against the world game’s most prestigious side next month.

The 28-year-old winger has not played for the Republic of Ireland since the 1-0 win over Slovakia more than 10 months ago. But his performances since making his comeback from a dislocated foot at home to Derby County in late December have been sufficient to persuade caretaker-manager Don Givens to include him in the squad for the Croke Park friendly against Brazil.

“The return of Damien is a boost,” said Givens, who is charge of the team until the FAI can find a permanent replacement for the sacked Steve Staunton. “There is no doubt he was sorely missed during the final stages of the Euro 2008 campaign.”

Duff is joined in a 21-man squad for the February 6 friendly by club-mate Shay Given.

There is also a recall for former United defender Andy O’Brien.

The Bolton Wanderers player has not represented his country since the 5-2 defeat to Cyprus in October 2006.

He was in the squad to face Wales in November but was forced to withdraw through injury.

UNITED will beam back live television coverage of tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Arsenal. The match was not one of those selected for live screening by the BBC or Sky.

But with the Magpies having sold their full allocation of 5,000 tickets for the Emirates Stadium clash, Shearer’s Bar at St James’s Park will show the game. Entry, on a first-come, first-served basis is £3 per person and anyone who comes in before 1.30pm will get a free drink.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD: Given (NEWCASTLE), Murphy (Scunthorpe), Doyle (Birmingham); Kelly (Birmingham), O’Shea (Man Utd), A O’Brien (Bolton), J O’Brien (Bolton), Kilbane (Wigan), Dunne (Man City), McShane (Sunderland); Carsley (Everton), A Reid (Charlton), S Reid (Blackburn), McGeady (Celtic), Hunt (Reading), Miller (Sunderland), Duff (NEWCASTLE); Keane (Tottenham), Doyle (Reading), Long (Reading), Murphy (Sunderland).