Mick McCarthy has been backed to return to the Republic of Ireland hot-seat following the departure of Martin O’Neill.

O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane parted company after failing to win a competitive game in 2018, a run which saw them relegated from Nations League Group B.

Now McCarthy is being linked to return to the role he held from 1996 to 2002, and some Bookmakers make him odds-on for the job.

Coral are pricing him at 8/13 ahead of Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny at 3/1, whilst despite being in the Australian jungle – Harry Redknapp is also considered a contender, and is 20/1.

“Harry Redknapp may well be impressing in the jungle at the moment, however, we have seen strong early support for him to take over from Martin O’Neill as the next Ireland manager,” said Coral’s John Hill.

“Mick McCarthy is the odds-on favourite in the early betting as it would be no surprise if the FAI turned back to their former manager for a second stint,” added Hill.