John Barnes is free to take over as Tranmere manager after he was replaced as Jamaica coach by Theodore Whitmore.

The former Liverpool winger, 45, is the bookmakers' favourite to be the new manager at Prenton Park alongside ex-Anfield team-mate Jason McAteer following Ronnie Moore's sacking last Friday.

Barnes is believed to be keen to get back into club management, despite his disappointment as player-coach at Celtic in 1999, after being told his Jamaica contract will not be renewed.

Barnes said: "Yes, I am disappointed that I would not be going to the Gold Cup (in July) because I could have started the contract (with Tranmere) after the Gold Cup.

"But I fully accept and understand the JFF decision that they will appoint Theodore, as of now, to give him a chance to experience football at the highest level.

"I have to thank the JFF for giving me an opportunity in doing something I love. It is something I wanted to get involved with for a long time and they gave me that opportunity."

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