England boss Roy Hodgson could have taken the Republic of Ireland job, admits former assistant coach Don Howe.

Hodgson oversaw England's 0-0 draw with Ireland in Dublin yesterday.

"Roy was close, very close, to taking charge of Ireland," Howe told the matchday programme.

"I said from the start then that he was the man we needed. Roy is someone I've known for years.

"He knows all about management and coaching at the highest level, he knows what is needed for tournament football and he was the ideal fit.

"I arranged a meeting between Roy, myself and the others working for the FAI.

"Everything seemed to be on target but just as it looked like it was all coming together, Fulham came in and snapped him up.

"I couldn't blame them or Roy - it was a great opportunity for him and it was a huge success for both manager and club."