FORMER FRANCE BOSS Raymond Domenech says he came close to being appointed Ireland manager in 2003.

The 64-year-old, who previously claimed he “dreamed” of managing Ireland, also spoke of his respect for Irish fans in an interview with The Guardian.

“In the end they decided to give it to an Irishman, Brian Kerr,” he said of being on a three-man shortlist for the Boys in Green hotseat. “But I would have adored it if I’d got it. I love Ireland and the Irish. I love the atmosphere there. I still remember when we played at Lansdowne Road in 2005 and we won thanks to a goal by Henry.

“The press had twisted some comments I’d made beforehand and after the game I had to walk through a load of supporters. I hesitated, thinking: ‘Oh shit, this could be trouble,’ but I pressed ahead. And everyone just patted me on the back saying: ‘Well done, good game.’ I couldn’t believe it. It was like: ‘OK, we played, we lost, let’s have a drink together.’ I love that attitude. It would have been great to have been Ireland manager. I am always upset when they don’t make it to a major tournament.”

Domenech, who has not managed at the top level since stepping down as coach of France in 2010, gained a degree of notoriety in his native country for some eccentric team selections as well as being in charge during a controversial 2010 World Cup campaign when Nicolas Anelka was expelled from the squad, with players boycotting training as a result.

France also had some success during Domenech’s tenure, however, reaching the World Cup final in 2006 before losing to Italy on penalties.

‘Football is not important’ – Belgium training cancelled following Brussels explosions>

Welsh FA under fire from accusations of fast-tracking Henry’s coaching licence>