CANDIDATES FOR THE TOP JOB IN IRISH FOOTBALL..

MICK MCCARTHY ODDS: 1/1

Mccarthy guided the Republic to the 2002 World Cup finals during almost seven years at the helm. The former Ireland defender, who was capped 57 times, is still held in high regard despite his famous Saipan bust-up with Roy Keane and perhaps more importantly, is available – and understood to be interested – following his departure from Ipswich in April.

STEPHEN KENNY 6/4

The case for Kenny’s appointment has a measure of popular support. He has just guided Dundalk to a second domestic double, has four league titles to his name in five seasons and took the club to the group stages of the Europa League in 2016.

CHRIS HUGHTON 20/1

Brighton boss Hughton played 53 times for Ireland during a distinguished career, but has simply enhanced his reputation since moving into coaching. He had spells as Newcastle, Birmingham and Norwich before being handed the reins at Brighton in December 2014 and steering the club into the Premier League, and his success in keeping them there means he would be difficult to prise away.

STEVE BRUCE 16/1

English-born Bruce qualified to play for the Republic through his late mother but was never capped at senior level by either country despite his success at Manchester United. The hugely experienced former Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace, Birmingham, Wigan, Sunderland and Hull manager is available after leaving Aston Villa in October following a poor run of results.

LEE CARSLEY 33/1

The former midfielder won 40 caps for Ireland between 1997 and 2008 and has since made a name for himself as a coach at Coventry and Sheffield United and then held interim managerial roles at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham City where he had been working behind the scenes. More recently, Carsley has been a highly regarded coach within the England underage set-up.

SELECTED OTHERS: Neil Lennon 16/1; Carlos Queiroz 16/1; Sven-goran Eriksson 20/1; Sam Allardyce 25/1; Chris Coleman 25/1; Harry Redknapp 33/1; Paul Cook 50/1; Brendan Rodgers 100/1 *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power