With Giovanni Trapattoni’s reign now over, who are the likely contenders for Republic of Ireland manager?

Martin O’Neill (5/6)

Former Sunderland boss O'Neill is available after being shown the door at the Stadium of Light in March. The 61-year-old Derryman has already been installed as the bookmakers' favourite, although it is understood he had not been contacted before Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at the Ernst Happel Stadion.

Mick McCarthy (12/1)

It was McCarthy who took Ireland to the 2002 World Cup finals in the Far East, where then skipper Roy Keane’s differences with the Irish set-up infamously came to a head. The current Ipswich boss had more than six years in charge and like O’Neill, the 54-year-old would enjoy popular support if he was appointed.

Roy Keane (16/1)

For many, Keane would be the perfect man to shake things up with his no-holds-barred approach to the game. Currently working as a television pundit, the 42-year-old Cork man cut his teeth as a manager at Sunderland, winning promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt, and later guided Ipswich to the semi-finals of the League Cup.

Brian McDermott (16/1)

The former Reading manager, now in charge of Leeds United, is hugely respected within the game and has made no secret of his ambition to one day take charge of the Irish national side. Born in England to Irish parents, the 52-year-old has also worked with a number of the current squad over the years.

Chris Hughton (20/1)

Hughton, 54, remains a hugely popular figure and won 53 senior caps. An accomplished coach, he has established an enviable reputation as a manager after first stepping into the limelight at Newcastle, whom he guided back into the Premier League following relegation, and has impressed at both Birmingham and current club Norwich since.