Blackburn Rovers have turned down a request by the Irish FA to speak to Kenny Dalglish, despite today's announcement from Dublin that he is on their short list to succeed Jack Charlton.

Ewood's Director of Football was named with three others, Mick McCarthy, Joe Kinnear and Dave Bassett, as the men the FAI want to interview.

But it came as something of a surprise at Ewood, where chairman Robert Coar revealed that Rovers' feelings on the matter had been made quite clear to the Republic of Ireland officials.

"The Irish people contacted us last week with a request to speak to Kenny," he said.

"Our response was that the approach was unwelcome.

"So today's news has come as something of a surprise to us in as much as they haven't received permission to speak to him and he is an employee of Blackburn Rovers." Although Rovers do not always comment publicly on such issues, they felt their hand was forced on this occasion by the story from Dublin early this morning.

"We felt our fans had to know our position on the situation, in view of what is being said," added Mr Coar.

The FAI confirmed the names on the list today and it is expected that interviews will take place later this week. Whether Dalglish will actually go for an interview, knowing the feelings of the club, remains to be seen.

But Rovers, at least, have not simply sat back and waited for something to happen. They have made their position clear. There has been much speculation about the Irish job, with Millwall boss McCarthy rated the favourite to take charge.

Dalglish himself has admitted before that he isn't a coach and if they really wanted him to take over it might be in the form of a dual appointment - Dalglish as a figurehead, with a coach working under him.

But it could be that Rovers' statement will prompt an early end, at least to one part of the speculation.

For there is also still the talk of England in the air.

Meanwhile, former Northern Ireland hero George Best today threw his hat into the ring, saying he planned to apply for the job of managing old rivals the Republic of Ireland.

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