Paul Jewell believes British managers are not offered an equal opportunity in the Premier League.

The former Wigan boss recently turned down the chance to return to the JJB Stadium following the departure of Chris Hutchings, and he is also thought to have rejected the manager's job at Preston.

Jewell is now reported to be in talks with the Republic of Ireland over succeeding Steve Staunton as manager.

"I'm not a nationalist, but I believe that if you're good then regardless of what language you speak and however you speak it you should be judged on your results," Jewell said in the Daily Mirror.

"The problem we have is British managers don't seem to be given opportunities. I'm not saying I should be manager of a top club, but we need to be judged on our merits.

"There are good English managers and bad ones, just as there are good and bad foreign coaches.

"As long as a coach is the right man for the job and does well I don't have a problem."

Jewell has pointed to the likes of Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce and West Ham manager Alan Curbishley as example of home-grown talent with the capability to succeed in the top flight.

"It's taken Sam Allardyce a long time to get to a top club. Sam has gone right to the top now and almost got the England job so there is hope for us," added Jewell.

"Maybe someone at one of the top four or five clubs should take a chance on one of us.

"Hopefully Sam can be successful at Newcastle and Alan Curbishley successful at West Ham."