McAteer poised to take over reins at Tranmere

FORMER Republic of Ireland midfield star Jason McAteer is poised to take over as manger of Division One side Tranmere Rovers, with current boss Brian Little expected to be given the sack by the Birkenhead club.

It has been a disappointing season for Little, the ex-Aston Villa boss, when his side narrowly escaped relegation finishing just ahead of the relegation zone to Division Two.

McAteer, 34, won a total of 52 caps for Ireland, the last under then boss Brian Kerr in the scoreless draw with Brazil in a friendly at Lansdowne Road three seasons ago.

After a distinguished playing career with Ireland, Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool and Sunderland, McAteer took over as player-coach at Prenton Park at the start of last season.

Latterly his playing career has been interupted by injuries, but he has never hidden his ambition to move into club management.

A much-admired figure by the Prenton Park supporters, McAteer would be a popular choice as the man to succeed the departing Little following in the footsteps of fellow Irish international John Aldridge who managed Rovers up to five years ago.