Single-minded Lee Carsley has the credentials to replace Damien Duff in Ireland role

Stephen Kenny would need strong persuasive powers to convince Carsley to leave his position with England's FA

Having been assistant manager of the England U19 and U21 squads, in the past four months Lee Carsley has been promoted to oversee the entire international set-up between U18 and U20 level.

Martin O’Neill had three, Giovanni Trapattoni ended up with one, while Mick McCarthy and Stephen Kenny both preferred two.

Ireland’s assistant managers in recent years have attracted as much profile as their bosses — be it World Cup winner Marco Tardelli, Ireland’s most successful Premier League player, Roy Keane, or the country’s record goalscorer, Robbie Keane.