Much-travelled coach Constantine admits strong interest in manager's role at Hibs

Confirming he was "very interested" in becoming the Edinburgh outfit's next manager, the 47-year-old believes he could use his globe-trotting experiences to reinvigorate the club while insisting he'd also be determined to continue bringing through home-grown stars.

Speaking from his home in Cyprus exclusively to the Evening News, London-born Constantine said: "I am very interested in the job, Hibs are a big club in Scotland although they haven't done so well in the back end of last season and the start of this. There is a challenge to get them back to the top four and into Europe this season but I am sure the players enjoyed that experience and that's what both they and the supporters want on a regular basis."

Although Constantine hasn't been a manager in his own right in Britain - he was first-team coach at Millwall - he has travelled extensively, coaching in the United States and in Cyprus where he has also managed while also enjoying spells in charge of the national sides of Nepal, India, Malawi and Sudan. And, he believes those experiences could help him build Hibs into a side capable of challenging Rangers and Celtic. He said: "I know the Old Firm dominate and that needs to change.

"But you don't need to spend millions, you can challenge that if you know the market outside of Britain. There are opportunities in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe where I have good connections and contacts where you can get players for a fraction of the money that some of the other teams are paying."

A FIFA instructor and possessing the necessary UEFA Pro Licence, Constantine also insisted that, while he couldn't give a detailed history of Hibs, he does have a certain knowledge of Scottish football, pointing out how he'd taken former Dundee goalkeeper Derek Soutar to Cyprus.

He said: "I have worked with Scottish players before, I know they are hard-working players who want to do the right thing. I've always tried to keep an eye on Scottish football and have great respect for Craig Brown.

"I know Hibs have one of the best stadiums in Scotland and top-class training facilities and a terrific reputation for bringing through their own players which also appeals to me as I am big on youth development, I love working with the young players."

Agreeing he could be regarded as something of a "dark horse" among the list of potential candidates, one which includes former Hibs star Michael O'Neill, Jimmy Calderwood, Billy Reid and Steve Clarke, Constantine feels he can bring something different to Easter Road.

He said: "I've managed four national teams and clubs in Cyprus, I know how it works.

"Hibs have had eight managers in ten years which can't be good for the club. I think they need a bit of stability.

"For the past number of years they have gone down a certain path and whether or not is has worked is debatable.

"Perhaps it's time to change direction.

"I feel if they were to appoint me it would be a new approach, fresh blood in the system, something different."

Working on a tight budget doesn't worry Constantine, nor does the prospect of knowing he'll be only one of many interested in the post.

He said: "All my life I have been in situation where I have not had a lot of money to spend.

"I'm sure there will be plenty of interest but my last job with Sudan had something like 35 applicants, coaches from all over the world so, of course, it is going to be tough.

"I just think it would be a great job."