Martin O’Neill says he is yet to be contacted by the FAI regarding the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s job. However, the former Celtic, Leicester, Sunderland and Aston Villa boss is the FAI’s number one choice to take over from Giovanni Trapattoni, according to widespread reports this morning.

Bookies favourite O’Neill says that so far he has not held talks about the job: "I have had no contact whatsoever from anyone at the [FAI] at this moment and there's not much more I can say about it."

But the former Northern Ireland international is said to be keen to take the job, while he is understood to be the man the FAI want to appoint, having parted company with Trapattoni earlier in the week.

Some reports this morning claim an approach will be made in the next 48 hours and that the deal could be done as soon as next week.

Town boss Mick McCarthy and former Blues manager Roy Keane are amongst those to also have been linked with the job, while Leeds manager Brian McDermott and Norwich boss Chris Hughton ruled themselves out of the running yesterday.

Photo: Action Images

irishtim added 09:32 - Sep 13 Thank god for that. We need Mick to stay at portman road and hopefully push us up the league. Mr Evans please release some funds for a decent 15-20 goal a season striker, then your investment may bare fruit.
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Michael11 added 09:36 - Sep 13 Not sure how O'Neill looks set to be the new manager when this reports that they've made no approach for him yet? I think (and hope) he will be the new manager though.
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MickMillsTash added 10:24 - Sep 13 If McCarthy goes he will get a pay rise an easier life and be able to do a bit of TV work, It would not take me too long to make a decision. Is O'Neil any good still?- without John Robertson it would seem not, I think there is a big risk of losing McCarthy.
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mickymacsbarmyarmy added 10:41 - Sep 13 Why would Mick be interested in the Ireland job. Been there done that & got the t-shirt. Its not as if he could do any better than last time..world cup quarter finals..just glad hughton distanced himself from the job as he's doing a great job at Carrow Road.From what ive heard from the budgies he's held in the same esteem as jewell was here.. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SECRET AGENT HUGHTON!!

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ericclacton added 10:43 - Sep 13 We need a goalscorer, I repeat we need a goalscorer.
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tractorfact added 11:01 - Sep 13 I agree, I think if Mick was offered it he would have taken it you cant blame him, more money, less work, no real pressure either
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SouperJim added 11:42 - Sep 13 It's a retirement job and I don't get the impression Mick is ready to retire. I just hope it gets sorted sooner rather than later as all this nonsensical speculation is tiring.
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cornbeefutd added 12:34 - Sep 13 Mick is staying - fact. Had a quick word when he jumped off the 10pm from Liv St. Subject closed
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gazhill100 added 12:51 - Sep 13 I think we are waiting for ebanks blake to get fit! then we will sign him on a free
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TimmyH added 12:57 - Sep 13 I heard yesterday that Delaney said Mick McCarthy was 'perfect' for the job, so I wouldn't take this as gospel!
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Mr_Evans added 13:01 - Sep 13 I also saw MM at Liverpool St, he was suited and booted, maybe he was meeting someone from the IFA?
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