Martin O'Neill favourite for Sunderland job

Martin O'Neill has emerged as the favourite to replace Steve Bruce as Sunderland manager.

Bruce was sacked on Wednesday night following a run of results which has left the club 16th in the Premier League table.

O'Neill has been without a club since he left Villa in August 2010.

Meanwhile, former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been installed as second favourite to take over at the Stadium of Light.

Ex-Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has also been linked with the position.

Next Sunderland manager according to William Hill:

Martin O'Neill: 4/7 Mark Hughes: 5/1 Rafael Benitez: 8/1 Lee Clark: 14/1 Steve McLaren: 16/1 Carlo Ancelotti: 16/1 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 16/1 Stuart Pearce: 16/1