David O'Leary is seeking a return to club management
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Former Leeds United and Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has turned down an interview for the vacant Republic of Ireland managerial post.
"After much soul-searching and thought I've declined the offer to be interviewed," said O'Leary.
"I wish to return to full-time club management and therefore reluctantly have decided against the opportunity to manage my country at this point."
Names still linked with the job include Lawrie Sanchez and Terry Venables.
"It's a great honour and I'm very flattered to be considered," added O'Leary.
Former Fulham and Northern Ireland boss Sanchez is to be interviewed for job.
Sanchez, sacked by Fulham in December, is expected to meet with the three-man panel set up by the FAI to search for a successor to Steve Staunton.
Ray Houghton, Don Givens and Don Howe are expected to meet Sanchez although he is not regarded as a frontrunner.
It is believed the FAI hopes to name a manager before the end of January as the Republic face Brazil on 6 February.
Former French captain and Juventus manager Didier Deschamps is the latest name in the frame for the vacancy.
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