Blues boss Mick McCarthy has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to take over as Republic of Ireland manager, within weeks.
The Irish lost at home to Sweden last night, effectively ruling out their chances of qualifying for the World Cup in Rio next year, and Giovanni Trapattoni is seen as a dead manager walking.
The Italian’s £1.5m-a-year contract runs out next summer but many believe he ail be sacked after Tuesday’s game.
It is understood McCarthy has a clause in his Ipswich Town contract which would allow him to leave Portman Road if offered the Ireland job and he is keen to take over the role once again.
McCarthy managed the Republic between 1996 and 2002, taking them to the World Cup in South Korea/Japan, where Matt Holland scored, and where his infamous falling out with Roy Keane divided a nation.
Keane is 33/1 with bookies Stan James, while McCarthy is a 5/1 joint favourite along with Martin O’Neill.
Norwich City boss Chris Hughton is priced at 14/1, while Harry Redknapp, the Town manager that never was, is in at 8/1.
Given how all the pre-season optimism for Town’s season has all but evaporated following such a poor start, there will not be too much disappointed if McCarthy does leave but it does beg the question – who next for the Blues?
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