The development, which was launched in 2016, is a partnership agreement between the FAI, FORAS — the trust that operates Cork City — and Cork County Council.

While it remains to be seen if the departure of Paul Lambert encourages Stoke City to make a renewed approach to Martin O’Neill, John Delaney has said the FAI “fully expect” the manager and Roy Keane to see their current contracts through to completion.

David Meyler has played down the prospect of a January move away from Hull City, despite admitting frustration at how his season has evolved.