Colin Sheridan: Is Lennon cut out for Ireland frustration?

The Armagh man — unlike practically everybody else — has made no secret of his desire for the job, and of all the abilities he may list on his patchy resume, availability may be the most prescient one.

IRELNAD JOB: Neil  Lennon’s achievements at Celtic and Hibs make him an intriguing candidate.

Oh, the crippling consequence of low expectations. Almost three months on from drawing 1-1 with New Zealand in a result that was completely in keeping with Stephen Kenny’s intellectually enlightened, yet brutally underwhelming campaign as Republic of Ireland manager, the shortlist of his successors appears to be but one. That one is none other than former Athletic Club Omonia Nicosia boss, Neil Lennon. 

Spare a thought for RTÉ’s Tony O’Donoghue. After years trying to decipher Giovanni Trapattoni's ruminations, taking metaphorical kidney punches from Martin O’Neill, and patiently waiting for Stephen Kenny to finish an actual sentence, the commentator may wish for a posting as a war correspondent after dealing with Lennon, who has a reputation for — how shall I put this — getting easily frustrated. If there’s one thing Irish football managers can expect plenty of, it’s frustration.