Martin O’Neill’s future as Ireland boss secure despite Euro struggles

In the space of just one week, Martin O’Neill has gone from being the bookies’ favourite to manage Leicester City to becoming a much hotter bet to stay on as Ireland manager for the 2018 World Cup campaign.

O’Neill himself has heightened expectations of a longer term in office — whether or not Ireland qualify for Euro 2016 — with the revelation that the FAI never told him his job security was dependent on qualification for France and, furthermore, that chief executive John Delaney had actually wanted him to sign up to two campaigns when he was appointed manager of the national team.

“The consequences — I swear to you — were never made clear to me by John,” said O’Neill.