When the sirens finally subside...

SO WHERE’s the fire? Why the siren-wailing drama to appoint a new Republic of Ireland manager when we have nothing more serious than bragging to play for until next September? (On that point, why would we want May’s friendly opponents, Serbia, going back telling their cousins in Montenegran how good those Irelanders are?)

That the FAI executive decided to keep their eyes on the long-term goal rather than be panicked by ludicrous media behaviour of recent months is to their credit. And they haven’t always warranted credit.

It would appear we are down to a choice of Gerard Houllier or Terry Venables as next Republic of Ireland manager. Since you asked, the French man every day of the week and twice on Sunday.