ROBBIE KEANE has told Mick McCarthy he will be juggling the Ireland job with a new role at Middlesbrough – if he does accept the offer to become Jonathan Woodgate’s assistant.

Keane flew in yesterday to meet with Boro chairman Steve Gibson and he returned to Dublin today after being asked to become Woodgate’s No 2.

Woodgate is on the brink of being appointed as Tony Pulis’ successor after almost four weeks since his exit and he is now working on his backroom team.

Keane is a former team-mate of his from their time together at Leeds United and they have remained good friends since.

However, Keane has not accepted the job at this stage because he must weigh up whether he can do it alongside being McCarthy’s right-hand man with Ireland – a role he wants to continue doing.

Keane said: "I've been asked. I met them yesterday and flew into Dublin this morning.

"They want me to come in as assistant manager and it's up to me to think about it. It won't affect me here which is key.

"I spoke to Mick McCarthy about it and said under no circumstances would I take it if had to leave Ireland and he was delighted with that.

"He said 'you're not f******g leaving here. They were his actual words. So it's up to me. I love working with Ireland and Mick has been great.

"I've been so busy with the Ireland games and I've not really spoken to my wife about it.

"I flew over to meet the Middlesbrough chairman yesterday and we had a good meal and conversation. It's exciting but the most important thing is I'm not leaving Ireland.

"It's happened so quickly. I've known Woody for 20 years and he's a good friend but I have to think about it.

"I saw on the news a few weeks ago that he might get the job, but I never thought he would call me. But he called me first so I must not be a bad fella!"

Middlesbrough have also offered a coaching role to Leo Percovich and are known to have discussed positions with former coach Steve Round and Brighton’s Under-23s assistant coach Liam Rosenior.