Neil Lennon says he is "keeping his fingers crossed" over landing the Republic of Ireland job.

The Celtic hero has been out of work since being sacked by Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia last year due to a poor run of results.

Ireland is currently without a manager after Stephen Kenny left his role after a poor Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

And Lennon has made clear he is interested in the position. When asked if he had been contacted about the role, he told PLZ Soccer: "No, not yet but it is something that I would value and would be very interested in, no question.

"Like all these jobs there will be a plethora of outstanding candidates so it will be a process. There will be a shortlist and they will be working through it.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will get an opportunity to speak to them."

READ MORE: Celtic's Rodgers compared to Postecoglou in xG differential

Meanwhile, the race to sign Celtic starlet Rocco Vata is heating up.

It's said that several clubs are now interested in the 18-year-old - who is out of contract at Celtic Park next summer.

The Daily Record state that Frosinone is the latest Italian club to show interest in the Republic of Ireland youth international.

While Celtic remains in talks with Vata over a new deal, it's believed he's grown frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunity, so is open to seeking a new challenge elsewhere.

Should he fail to sign new terms, then he could leave for a bargain price of just £350,000 in training compensation.

Torino are already interested in the wide attacker, with Italian clubs seemingly keen on tapping into the Irish youth market.

Now, this report says that Frosinone scouted Vata when he was away with Ireland's U19s earlier this month.

Nottingham Forest of the Premier League is interested too, with several other clubs believed to have watched the Hoops talent.