Report: Martin O'Neill on verge of accepting Ireland job

Former Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is reportedly on the verge of becoming the next manager of the Republic of Ireland.

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has made the 61-year-old the 1-14 favourite to replace Giovanni Trapattoni, who left his position by mutual consent in September.

O'Neill has been in talks with the FAI and, according to Sky Sports News, he is very close to accepting his first job in international management.

It is also understood that former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is considering an offer to become O'Neill's assistant.

O'Neill, who scored eight goals in 64 senior international appearances for Northern Ireland as a player, has been out of work since leaving Sunderland in March.