Irish eyes turn to ex-Celtic boss S- MART MONEY IS ON O’NEILL
MARTIN O’NEILL is the firm favourite for the Republic of Ireland job after Giovanni Trapattoni was sacked.
Trapattoniwasaxedonhisreturnfroma1-0defeatinAustria,which effectively ended Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
Former Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland boss O’Neill is odds-on to replace him – despite FAI chief executive John Delaney hinting at a sensational return for Mick McCarthy.
Delaney said: “The board will meet within the next week. We do have time. The European qualifiers don’t start until next September.
“I think there will be plenty of interest because, first of all, 24 teams go to the European Championships and it’s by PAUL BROWN genuinely accepted we have a good crop of young players. with him. He gave me my debut
“It will be interesting to see and I’m thankful to him for that. who puts their best foot forward. I’m gutted he’s gone.” I think names like Mick ItalianTrapattoni,74,whoseNo.2 (McCarthy), Brian McDermott, Marco Tardelli was also axed, Chris Hughton, Roy Keane all said: “I want to thank everyone come into the pot, and Martin who has given us their support O’Neill of course. during our time here, which has
always meant a lot to us. TRAP’S OUT: Giovanni Trapattoni’s gone, with O’Neill favourite to step in (Poole) – postponed. TODAY’S DIARY FOOTBALL
Bristol Academy v Birmingham, Liverpool v Everton (7.30pm).
MOTORRACING (Coffs Harbour, Australia) – stages 1 & 2. RUGBYLEAGUE
Super League qualifying play-off SPEEDWAY
Swindon v Lakeside (7.30pm).
IpswichvEdinburgh (7.30pm), Sheffield v Somerset (7.45pm).
1Handicap;6Given;7North; 9 Nash; 10 Wessig; 12 Auriol; 14 Ella; 17 Ossie; 18 Elgin; 19 Scarlets.
2 Alves; 3 Dani; 4 Conteh; 5 Parks; 6 Gonzalo; 8 Higuain; 11 Modena; 13 Roses; 15 Light; 16 Bell. 1 James Faulkner, 2 Ben Smith, 3 Hull, 4 Nico Rosberg, 5 Darren Barker.