Martin O’Neill (8/11)
The former Leicester, Celtic and Sunderland manager is currently out of a job, and that goes a long way to explaining why he is the clear favourite as things stand. However, it is not yet known whether the Derry-born 61-year-old would brush aside the controversies of taking up the role should the FAI offer it to him.
Mick McCarthy (7/1)
The 54-year-old has admitted within the past 24-months that he would love a return to the international job he once held between 1996-2002. But now he is in a secure job with Ipswich Town in the Championship and question marks remain over whether or not some managers would leave a second-tier English job to take up the Aviva hotseat.
Brian McDermott (14/1)
McDermott is certainly one of the above. He is currently the manager of Leeds United, and despite the Elland Road club falling way short of their standards over the past decade, they still remain one of the biggest clubs in England. McDermott is currently siting pretty in a dream job, but if there is any uncertainty in Leeds, McDermott would be very proud to take up an offer from the FAI.
Roy Keane (16/1)
Keane is currently out of work, so the big question mark here is whether or not his poor relationship with the FAI’s top brass can be repaired to the extent that the Corkman would even be interviewed for the position. He has admitted in the past that he would be interested in the international post, so he is likely to apply; but the FAI would be taking a huge gamble by splitting the nation right down the middle. Keane is Irish football’s marmite man.
David O’Leary (20/1)
O’Leary, like Keane, will split the nation – some really rate the lovable Dubliner. But a number of failed jobs – especially at Al-Ahli in Dubai two years ago – means his reputation has taken a real blow. Despite being an Ireland legend, O’Leary’s stock has surely fallen too far to be considered by the FAI.
Chris Hughton (20/1)
Hughton seems to be most Irish fans’ first choice, but the former international full-back, who won 53 caps, is Premier League property and he is very unlikely to give up his Norwich job to take over Ireland. At only 54, Hughton still has time on his side to become the Irish gaffer in time, but the timing is certainly a little off right now.
Marco Tardelli (25/1)
With the majority of Irish supporters now behind Trapattoni being relieved of his duties, Tardelli is unlikely to be the man the FAI turn to now. He once stood a chance of replacing his current boss, but the FAI are most likely to opt for a complete change – leaving the 58-year-old Italian legend unemployed.
Harry Redknapp (33/1)
We all know that Redknapp has or certainly had harboured hopes of becoming an international manager. He was snubbed by his own home nation 18-months ago and last year spoke to the Ukraine about their managerial position. He turned them down for a Premier League job, but could he be the one tempted out of the Championship by the FAI? Don’t rule it out.
Alan Curbishley (33/1)
It amazes that the man who performed miracles with Charlton has been out of work for five years. He left his job at West Ham (having performed well) on principal and has so far been really unfortunate to not find his way back in to club management. He was once considered for the England national team job and just missed out. The FAI could appoint much worse than Curbishley, but his time out of the game may worry them.
Graeme Souness (33/1)
At 50/1, Souness could be worth investing a few quid in. The Scot has been working in Dublin with RTE over the past four years and has a great reputation on these shores, having made up for the dismal job he did at Liverpool with decent performances managing Benfica and Blackburn Rovers. He has worked in five different countries and at age 60, international management could suit him perfectly.
All images: INPHO / Press Association