Roy Keane is believed to be in contention to become the next manager of the Republic of Ireland following the departure of Stephen Kenny.
A deflating Euro 2024 qualifying campaign led to Kenny’s dismissal, although FAI CEO Jonathan Hill was quick to hail the departing manager’s body of work, crediting him for bringing through the next generation of players.
Former Manchester United captain Keane has now emerged as a top contender for the job, picking up the early favourite price at 5/4 for become Ireland’s next manager. He has previously enjoyed spells of management with Sunderland and Ipswich.
Keane also won 67 caps for Ireland but his time in international football came with its controversy. He left the Irish squad on the eve of the 2002 World Cup following a bust-up with then manager Mick McCathy. However, his most recent gig with Ireland came as Martin O’Neill’s assistant manager when they qualified for the European Championships.
Celtic legend Neil Lennon is another name on the list of managerial candidates – second favourite at 6/1 – and he will be known best for his time in Scotland.
England U21 manager Lee Carsley is another contender on the list having led the young Three Lions to their first Euro title in 39 years this summer. He is priced at 8/1 and former Man City defender Richard Dunne thinks he’d be the ideal replacement for Kenny.
“The dream hire for me would be Lee Carsley,” Dunne told LiveScore, as quoted by Balls.ie. “He’s done his thing with England Under-21s and obviously played for Ireland, loves Ireland.
“Carsley is obviously doing very well with England but if Ireland could tempt him away, he’s someone who could get the best out of what he’s got.
“With the Under-21s he always has to chop and change his squad, be adaptable – and that’s a skill the next Ireland manager will certainly need.”
However, Keane isn’t the only Manchester United legend linked with the Ireland job. Former defender Steve Bruce is currently out of work but is priced 16/1 to take charge of the boys in green.
Next Ireland manager
- Roy Keane – 5/4
- Neil Lennon – 6/1
- Lee Carsley – 8/1
- Stephen Bradley – 16/1
- Mark Kennedy – 16/1
- Damien Duff – 16/1
- Steve Bruce – 16/1
- Sam Allardyce – 16/1
- Kieran McKenna – 20/1
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