Walsall say Stan the man to take over Ireland job

STEVE STAUNTON has got the green light to manage the Republic of Ireland - but the FAI has yet to come calling.

Staunton, currently a player-coach at Walsall - although he has not played since the end of August due to injury - is currently being mentioned as a potential successor to Brian Kerr as Republic boss.

First choice Martin O’Neill has made it clear he remains committed to tending to wife Geraldine, who is fighting cancer, while David O’Leary has insisted Aston Villa is his priority at present.