Lee Carsley - the right man in the right place in the wrong colours

Nobody’s quite certain as yet whether the 50-year-old is interested in upgrading this caretaker stint into permanent status but he was word-perfect in his first official pre-match conference.

Harry Kane, as captain accompanying for the formalities at Carton House, took just seconds of his first answer to refer to Carsley as boss.

No question to the supremo was fudged; all contained a sliver of his confidence marinated with respect for where he is this weekend.

You could certainly visualise him seamlessly replicating his predecessor Gareth Southgate’s journey from U21 chief.

An hour earlier, the former Ireland midfielder arrived at Carton House in typically understated fashion.

Throngs of kids were corralled behind fences while the team bus pulled into reception, gleeful at Trent-Alexander Arnold and Bukayo Saka walking the few yards to sign shirts.

Another Arsenal player skulked around the front of the bus, casting an eye from beneath his baseball cap towards the screaming crowd.

Declan Rice didn’t risk a frosty reception, taking himself and his glossy green holdall straight up the steps into reception. It definitely wasn’t a remnant of his Ireland career.

Typically self-effacing, Carsley would bracket himself with Rice and fellow defector Jack Grealish in the trio of ex-Irish players facing an adverse reaction on their homecoming.

He need not worry about inhabiting such company, nor had to rule out overzealous celebrations if his debut delivers a victory against his ancestral home.

“I try not to get emotional in games and I’ve always been the same,” he emphasised.

“I’ve been on the end of a lot of last-minute winners for the opposition so I respect that. I’m respectful of my history as well.

“I’ll feel proud. Coming back to Dublin wasn’t something I’d thought about too much until recently.

“When I saw the Uefa Nations League draw, I was fully focussed on my U21s team, thinking it would be a good game. I didn’t realise until two weeks ago that I’d be actually here.

“I’m excited about it, not overawed. I’ve a lot of confidence in the players. This isn’t a fresh start – more about building on what Gareth achieved.

“Our players will enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a good game to come back into after the disappointment of losing the Euro final.”

Carsley admitted several teammates from his Ireland stint between 1997 and 2002 – including Robbie Keane – have been in contact since his elevation.

“I’ve heard from a lot of them,” he said with a giggle. “They’ve been really supportive, really proud of the position I’ve gotten to.”

Asked to select a highlight from his Ireland stint, reported as 40 caps but actually 39, he again drifted to his default objectivity.

“I can remember a few lowlights,” he retorted with trademark dry humour.

“My Ireland career was up and down but ultimately, I enjoyed it, the experience in the World Cup, the camaraderie in the squad. I made some great memories and friends that’ll go a long way.

“My debut was probably the highlight – facing Romania with Andy Townsend, Ray Houghton, Tony Cascarino and Niall Quinn on an horrendous waterlogged pitch.

“But I just remember Gheorghe Hagi. It was almost like he had flip-flops on, so smooth was the way he played with his left-foot.”

Now he’s the leftfield name occupying the biggest job in English sport.

Assistants Joleon Lescott and Ashley Cole have greater affinity, as former internationals, but Carsley is the one calling the shots.

Wins against Ireland and Finland in this window, followed by Greece next month, will be necessary to validate his credentials and yet there’s a presumption among in haughty circles that he views it as the ultimate job.

Ireland came calling once the inevitability of Stephen Kenny’s departure was evident but so did others, including Stoke City. He reiterated his dealings with the FAI, however confusing the dates appear to be.

“I’m not sure of the exact timeline but, after the Euro U21 finals, I sat down, with the FA’s approval, to speak to two or three people about different opportunities,” he explained.

“With Ireland, it was very informal and went no further. I knew how lucky and privileged I was going in to talk to anyone.

“My coaching career has taken a path where I enjoy seeing players progress. I’ve been supported by my bosses with the trust they’ve put in me and I want to repay that.”