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.