Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane look set to team up as Ireland's next managerial team

ROY KEANE is on the verge of a shock comeback to Irish football as the assistant to the FAI’s manager in waiting Martin O’Neill.

O’Neill [61] is in advanced discussions with the FAI about replacing Giovanni Trapattoni and is close to accepting the role.

The Derry man met high ranking FAI officials in London this week and informed them that he was interested in taking the job – and wanted to bring in Keane as his number two.

Keane was floated as a possible contender for the top job but was considered a long shot because of his fractious relationship with the FAI hierarchy which dates back to his Saipan row in 2002.

However, it is understood that he is willing to come on board when O’Neill formally reaches agreement to assume control and the FAI are happy to go along with the wishes of their preferred candidate.

Daniel McDonnell

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