ROY KEANE is set to turn down a chance to return to management with Turkish club Kasimpasa.

The Corkman has returned home from Istanbul yesterday to discuss his fact-finding mission with family.

Kasimpasa were pressing for a final answer from the 41-year-old before he travelled, but Keane stalled, stressing that he needed more time to consider such a big move.

The Turkish Super League outfit, who jumped the gun by claiming over the weekend that a deal was done, are waiting for his response. However, their confidence appears to be misplaced, with Keane refusing to be forced into a decision and leaning against accepting their £1.4m-a-year offer.

He was impressed by the ambitious club's facilities after being given a tour on Tuesday and dining with officials that night, and the financial package is attractive.

But Keane's preference is to continue his career in England, and his prospects of returning to work there have improved.

Figures

Senior Blackburn figures have said they are interested in speaking to Keane, but they would like contact from his side, whereas he would expect to be approached.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled himself out of the race to replace Steve Kean, while Blackburn's first choice, Tim Sherwood, is tied up by Tottenham.

Keane is itching to return to action following a 21-month break from the game and will be conscious that the October international window often signals managerial change in England.

Blackburn's neighbours Bolton could also have a vacancy soon, with Owen Coyle under pressure. They remain in the bottom half of the Championship table after nabbing a late equaliser at home to Leeds on Tuesday night, but Coyle's position is believed to be increasingly unstable.

Meanwhile, Ireland have dropped two places to 28th in the latest set of FIFA world rankings, despite recording a pair of victories last month.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men have been overtaken by Norway and Mali, as the wins over Kazakhstan and Oman came against lowly opposition.

Next week's opponents Germany remain in second spot, behind Spain. England have dropped to fifth, with Northern Ireland 117th.

World Cup qualification rivals Sweden and Austria have alos fallen to 21st and 59th respectively.

Irish Independent