O’Neill ‘terrific’ manager, but no decision yet, says Delaney

FAI chief executive John Delaney has heaped praise on Martin O’Neill as both a man and a manager, but stopped short of confirming his candidacy for the Ireland job.

Saying it would be unfair to comment on individuals who might be in the frame to succeed Giovanni Trapattoni, Delaney said filling the post “will take a little bit of time” — a hint, perhaps, there will be significant developments sooner rather than later.

“I have no problem saying Martin O’Neill has been a terrific manager in his career, a terrific man and I admire him very, very much,” said the FAI chief executive. “But I wouldn’t comment on Martin O’Neill or any other person as to whether they will be the next Ireland manager because that would be unfair.