Wigan Athletic midfielder Kevin Kilbane has called on the Republic of Ireland to make Paul Jewell new manager.

Of the current players in the Ireland squad, Kilbane knows Jewell well as the winger/full-back was signed by the former Latics boss for £2million from Everton in August last year.

Although Kilbane has not spoken with Jewell regarding the post, he does speak highly of the 43-year-old.

"Whether or not he wants it, I don't know," remarked Kilbane.

"But he signed me for Wigan, and I always got on well with him, so we will have to wait and see.

"Last season it all came down to the last game against Sheffield United, and probably his Wigan career will be judged on that.

"Prior to that he did so well, taking the club up from the old Second Division and winning promotion to the Premier League.

"He then kept them up, took them to the League Cup (final), so he has a good track record hasn't he?

"On the training ground, he was a forward-thinking coach, and he is a good man-motivator.

"But he's not indicated he wants the job. It's all speculation at the moment, with a number of top-quality candidates mentioned.

"I'm sure it will be sorted soon, and it will be good when it is."