Roy Keane leads top three with bookmakers to be next Ireland manager as odds tumble on Man Utd icon
ROY KEANE is as low a price as 7/4 with one major gambling site in the wake of Stephen Kenny's exit as Irish boss being confirmed.
Having been in charge for over three years, the FAI made it official on Wednesday evening that he will not receive a second contract extension.
That development has driven the next Irish manager market into overdrive.
Cork's most famous son has surged to the top of the pile with bettingodds.com.
Next up after him is England U21s gaffer Lee Carsley at 5/2 while Neil Lennon trails in third place at 6/1.
After that there's a steep drop-off to Steve Bruce and Sam Allardyce at 16/1.
Clearly neither Premier League veteran is generating much belief in their candidacy with the masses.
This is in spite of the former openly declaring his interest to Gambling Zone.
Prior to Kenny receiving his marching orders, he said: “I've stated before that I'd like to get back into management.
"But I find speculation when there's a manager in place to be very disrespectful.
“The current manager had a big game against New Zealand, and hearing speculation about him being sacked is really disrespectful. I've been there myself.
“I'm looking to get back into football, whether that's an international job, a director of football, an assistant to an up-and-coming manager, or a consultation role.
“I'm open to anything as I miss the game. International management would appeal to me at my age, but I find speculation disrespectful while a manager is in place.
“Once the manager position is free, then they (FAI) can give me a call.”
The list of prospective replacements is rounded out by Gus Poyet at 20/1 - another seasoned boss who has been letting his interest in the job be known.
Damien Duff is a similar price although aside from his recent history of clashing with the FAI, as well as his inexperience, he has just reaffirmed his commitment to Shelbourne.
The country's all-time top-scorer Robbie Keane is all the way out at 25/1 having not achieved much in his post-playing career thus far.
