Chris Hughton: 'I think Martin O'Neill has done a great job'

If ever there was going to be a calming influence in the aftermath of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off calamity, there was always a possibility it might come from Chris Hughton, a man who has built his successful managerial career on the kind of understated common-sense approach which encourages a steady ship.

The Brighton manager has, almost unnoticed by the football media, guided his side to eighth place in the Premier League after securing promotion from the Championship. Just as he did in 53 caps as a reliable full-back for the Republic, Hughton has given his employers the kind of consistency most clubs can only dream of.

He will, of course, be mentioned as a potential replacement for Martin O’Neill should the incumbent, piqued by the criticism of his decision making against Denmark, decide not to continue as Ireland boss; but even then, his name isn’t being shouted with the same kind of verve and passion reserved for the likes of Roy Keane.