Robson firm favourite to take over as Ireland manager

BRYAN ROBSON is the bookies' firm favourite to take over as manager of Ireland's soccer squad.

Bookmakers' Paddy Powers have accepted bets totalling more than euro 250,000, with British punters showing huge interest.

The odds have plummeted on the former Middlesbrough manager and ex-England captain as punters believe Roy Keane would have no problem working with his former Manchester United team-mate.

Among the punters' eight front-runners to replace Mick McCarthy, only the FAI youth team manager Brian Kerr is still working in football.

Drifting out in the betting is ex-Ipswich boss George Burley, the punters' favourite in some lists for several weeks.

John Harnett of Paddy Powers said Kerr was second favourite behind Robson. "In the last few days, there was significant backing in our Irish shops for Kerr after he confirmed he was being interviewed.

"But we believe no-one on our short list from Dalglish to Reid, Aldridge to Moran can be ruled out.

"Since we opened a book, we've had eight favourites.

"The punters' interest has genuinely surprised us. The average bet is in the 20-50 range but we had three 5,000 offers requesting special rates for Dalglish, Robson and Burley.

"Due to the nature of the risk, we've limited bets to 1,000.

Meanwhile, John Keegan of Cashman's said Robson was clear favourite with Burley, Kerr and Dalglish well in the running.

"The odds on Robson were slashed after a chance comment made to a fan by Roy Keane during his book signing in Cork. Punters got the impression Robson was the best bet to persuade Keane to play for Ireland again."