Martin O’Neill staying as Leicester opt for Ranieri

The Republic of Ireland will not have to find a new manager after the appointment of Claudio Ranieri yesterday ended speculation that Martin O’Neill could return to Leicester City.

O’Neill was last week heavily-linked with a return to a club where he enjoyed huge success between 1995 and 2000.

However the Foxes have hired Ranieri to replace Nigel Pearson, who was relieved of his duties last month because the club insisted “fundamental differences in perspective exist between us”.