Former Wales international Carl Robinson has addressed reports linking him to the Wales manager's job before Ryan Giggs' appointment.
Robinson transitioned into coaching after hanging up his boots in 2011 and two years later he was elevated to manage MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
The ex-midfielder cut his teeth in the game in North America and earned much praise for his stewardship of the Whitecaps, superseding expectations by leading them to play-off appearances.
Following Chris Coleman's exit from the Wales hot seat, Robinson was linked to the vacant post along with Giggs, Tony Pulis, Craig Bellamy and Osian Roberts.
Robinson was popular among fans during his playing days owing to his dedication and longevity over a 10-year international career, earning 52 caps, and emerged as an outsider for the top job following his exploits in Canada.
The Welsh FA eventually went with the favourite, Giggs, but Robinson has lifted the lid on that time, while also admitting the job would be hugely-attractive prospect in the future.
"I still had a job at the time and was very happy where I was," Robinson said on the Blakey's Bootroom podcast .
"I always thought that Ryan would be the right guy for Wales. They had Chris Coleman after Mark Hughes, and the late Gary Speed as well, the job was always given to an ex-player who deserved their chance or was starting their career.
"There was never any thought of me applying for that job.
"I had had four years of success, so it wasn't the right time at the right place.
"Having said that, if you ask any ex-Welsh player who has gone into the coaching and managing side, if they said they wouldn't want to manage Wales, they'd be lying or they've not got the passion.
"The one thing I have got, like all Welsh people, is the passion, the work ethic and the feeling of playing for Wales. And if you've got that, don't throw it away. It never leaves you.
"One day, maybe, who knows."
Following a year out, Robinson is now clearly champing at the bit for his next assignment.
Since he parted company with the Whitecaps following four years as head coach, he has taken some much-needed respite from the game.
He turned down the Costa Rica national job earlier this month largely because the last manager branded it a 'holiday camp' - a phrase which didn't sit well with Robinson and his style of management.
Robinson speaks both cogently and passionately about tactics and his love for the game. He has spent the last few months at youth tournaments across the pond scouting players to bring in when he lands his next job.
He is still living across the Atlantic and offers from all over the world have been tabled, however he appears open to any opportunity that might arrive at his door next.
"In terms of the UK, look, everyone wants to manage in the Premier League, but I'm realistic," he adds.
"I talk about a project, but there are not many projects that come up in the UK, because if you lose five or six games then you're out of a job.
"It's stressful, the job, it's difficult. I had great success at Vancouver and it was right for me and them to move on.
"I've taken a break, had a couple of holidays, but my work has not stopped and I have watched more football than ever.
"I've got my plans in place, I've got my targets I've identified from Europe and South America and Central America that I'd like to sign if I was given my next opportunity.
"So I'm prepared. Where that will be, who knows."
