The Football Association of Ireland’s Chief Executive, John Delaney, said he considers Brian McDermott to be a potential candidate to replace Trapattoni, following the Italian’s departure as Republic of Ireland manager last night.

McDermott, who only joined Leeds United five months ago, has stated previously that becoming manager of the Republic of Ireland is a lifetime ambition.

While McDermott was born in England, both of his parents are Irish and the Leeds United manager has spoken of the mistake he made when choosing to represent England instead of Ireland as a football player.

Speaking in 2012, McDermott said;

“Kenny Sansom, who was a senior player with Arsenal at the time, said that I would go on to play U-21 and then become a full England international. Of course, things are different today, as players can switch allegiance. “A couple of years later I realised it was a big mistake. I live in England, and I’m not ashamed of that, but being Irish is in my blood. Ever since then it has been a goal of mine to manage Ireland, “It was an error on my part to line-out for England, and I have told my friends that. You have career paths in life – and I’m determined to realise my long-hold ambition.”

Alongside McDermott, the FAI’s Chief Executive listed Roy Keane, Mick McCarthy and Chris Hughton as other names they’ll be considering.

But the bookmakers have a different candidate in mind with Martin O’Neill listed as the early odds-on favourite. Mick McCarthy follows O’Neill with odds around 8/1 while Brian McDermott, Roy Keane and Chris Hughton all have significantly lengthier odds (at the time of writing).

While it seems unlikely that McDermott would jump ship so early in his Leeds United career, the Republic of Ireland job could be an offer that tempts the Whites manager. Whether the Irish FA can afford the compensation Leeds United would undoubtedly seek is another matter entirely.