Republic of Ireland 'to make Martin O'Neill approach within 48 hours'

The Football Association of Ireland is reportedly planning to make an approach to Martin O'Neill about the vacant Republic of Ireland job within the next 48 hours.

Former Celtic and Sunderland manager O'Neill is willing to negotiate with the governing body, according to the Daily Mail.

The Irish FA is said to be hopeful of bringing in a successor to Giovanni Trapattoni in time for the World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Kazakhstan.

However, they could be forced to make do with a caretaker boss for the remainder of the qualifying campaign if they are unable to fill the post in time.

Roy Keane, Mick McCarthy and Brian McDermott have been named among the other favourites to succeed Trapattoni as Republic of Ireland boss.