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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Neil Lennon named among the favourites for potential Ireland job

Celtic hero Neil Lennon has been named among the favourites to become the next Republic of Ireland manager.

Current national team boss Stephen Kenny is under increasing pressure after a dismal run of form.

The Irish are all but out of the running to make it to Germany next summer for the European Championships. Their defeat at home to The Netherlands on Friday was a major blow.

And so bookmakers Betfair have opened their market on who could be in the frame to replace Kenny.

Lennon has been out of work since he left Omonia Nicosia last October. He was recently heavily touted for the Hibernian job but missed out, with the Easter Road club instead preferring Nick Montgomery.

Should it be vacated, Lee Carsley, England Under 21 gaffer, is the favourite for the role.

Also in the running are Roy Keane, Steve Bruce, John O'Shea and Damien Duff.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “With Stephen Kenny’s days as Ireland manager reportedly numbered, odds have been slashed on Steve Bruce to become next permanent manager. Bruce is 11/1 to take over following a flurry of bets, having previously been 22/1. Current England U21 boss Lee Carsley is the 11/4 favourite, while Neil Lennon is 11/2 and Chris Hughton 7/1.

"Other contenders include Roy Keane (10/1) and Sam Allardyce (11/1), while John O’Shea follows closely behind at 12/1”

Next permanent Ireland manager:

Lee Carsley: 11/4

Neil Lennon: 11/2

Chris Hughton: 7/1

Roy Keane: 10/1

Steve Bruce: 11/1 (was 22/1)

Sam Allardyce: 11/1

John O'Shea: 12/1

Damien Duff: 14/1

Willy Sagnol, Keith Andrews, Robbie Keane: 20/1

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Anthony Barry: 22/1

Tony Pulis, Mick McCarthy, Stephen Bradley, Jim Crawford: 25/1

Meanwhile, Celtic have confirmed their Champions League squad with the group stage fixtures set to get underway next week.

Brendan Rodgers has named his 25-man strong squad and with homegrown rules in place, he has had some difficult decisions to make.

New signings Gustaf Lagerbielke, Nat Phillips and Luis Palma have all made the cut, but Marco Tillo and Maik Nawrocki miss out.

Rodgers' side will take on Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, and Lazio in the group stage of the 2023/24 competition.

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