World Cup hero Jason McAteer and former Ireland striker David Kelly have thrown their names into the hat for the manager’s job at Shamrock Rovers.

McAteer wants to talk to the Rovers board about the vacancy created after Michael O’Neill’s decision to walk away from a new two year contract.

Kelly, who has served his managerial apprenticeship as Billy Davies’ coach at Sheffield United, Preston, Derby and Nottingham Forest, is also keen on the Tallaght gig.

“I worked for a brief spell as John Barnes’ number two at Tranmere but I want to be a manager in my own right and I would be delighted to start my new career in the League of Ireland,” said McAteer, 40, who could also interest manager-less Bohemians.

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“I am aware that a number of clubs including Shamrock Rovers are looking for new managers and I am open to talking to them.

“I’ve got a good assistant and an Irish coach lined up already and am open to all discussions with anyone who is interested.”

Kelly has League of Ireland experience having played for Derry City in his final season before retiring as a player in 2002.

A member of Jack Charlton’s squad at Euro ’88, Italia ’90 and USA ’94, Kelly played with O’Neill at Newcastle United.

“I know from talking to Michael how good a job it is and I know from playing in Ireland how big a club Rovers is,” said Kelly.

“Billy and I have been a team for some time now but he knows that I have managerial ambitions of my own and I am confident my ambitions could match those of Rovers.”

Rovers have appointed a three man committee to oversee the appointment of a new boss and have already been inundated with applications.

Ireland defender Alan Kernaghan, former Scottish striker Mark McGhee, one time Dundalk boss Ian Foster and Longford Town manager Tony Cousins are also in the frame.

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