Roy Keane primed to step up if Martin O’Neill departs

Roy Keane is primed to step into the void left by Martin O’Neill should Leicester City’s attempt to prise the Ireland manager back to his former club come to fruition.

Speculation on O’Neill’s future intensified yesterday when a number of bookmakers stopped taking bets on the Derryman succeeding Nigel Pearson, sacked last month, as boss at the King Power Stadium.

Whilst the FAI refused to comment on the matter amid reports of Leicester intending to seek their permission over the weekend to discuss the vacancy with O’Neill, it appears Abbotstown chiefs have a battle on their hands to retain their supremo.