O’Neill, O’Leary bookies’ favourites

MARTIN O’NEILL and David O’Leary have been installed as joint favourites to become the next manager of the Republic of Ireland.

With pressure mounting on Brian Kerr ahead of tomorrow’s vital World Cup qualifier against Switzerland, Boylesports bookmakers have the former Celtic manager and the Aston Villa boss at 9/4.

Republic of Ireland skipper Roy Keane is at 8/1 as is his former Manchester United team-mate Bryan Robson. Northern Ireland’s Laurie Sanchez is at 16/1 while former Irish internationals John Aldridge and Liam Brady are at 20/1. Kerr’s assistant Chris Hughton is quoted at 33/1 as is Ronnie Whelan.

Despite talk of Kerr’s successor, the Irish team are favourites to win at Lansdowne Road tomorrow night at odds of 11/10. Group Four has been the group of draws so far and another stalemate is at odds of 11/5, while a win for the Swiss to guarantee their spot in Germany is 5/2.

Ireland’s hero in Cyprus, Stephen Elliott, is second favourite at 7/1 to score first tomorrow, with strike partner Robbie Keane at 11/2. For the Swiss, the off-form Alexander Frei is favourite to grab the first goal at 15/2.