Lee Carsley could go for Walsall job

Lee Carsley has emerged as a surprise potential candidate for the Walsall manager's job.

The Coventry midfielder is giving serious thought to applying for the post – but has yet to officially declare his interest.

Carsley is keen on a career in management when he quits playing and sources close to him confirmed he is eyeing up the Banks's Stadium job.

A Birmingham-born midfielder, the 36-year-old knows the area well and has kept tabs on the Saddlers while in the Midlands.

The prospect of the veteran continuing as a player-manager is an idea Carsley is believed to be considering – something which could interest Walsall, who sacked Chris Hutchings on Tuesday.

The Saddlers are yet to spell out their desired criteria for a new manager, with head of youth Dean Smith in caretaker charge ahead of Saturday's trip to Tranmere.

Whether the club would be interested in a rookie boss remains to be seen and trying to negotiate compensation with the Sky Blues is likely to deter them – if the interest is mutual.

Former Birmingham midfielder Carsley started his career at Derby County and made 166 appearances before a £3.4million move to Blackburn in 1999.

Then came a £2million switch to Coventry in 2000, making 52 appearances, before stints at Everton and at St Andrew's.

Carsley has made 25 starts for the Sky Blues in the Championship this season after returning to the club following his release from Blues last summer.

Former Kidderminster striker Bo Henriksen is another believed to be keen on the Walsall job and is currently impressing as Bronshoj manager in Denmark's second tier.

Part-timers Bronshoj are fourth, eight points off the top, and are the only team to beat leaders Arrhurs this season as they hunt promotion to the Superliga.

Henriksen made 81 appearances for Harriers, scoring 25 goals, between 2002 and 2004.