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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Ex-Celtic boss Lennon emerges as shock favourite for international job

Neil Lennon has emerged as the favourite to replace Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny.

The current national team boss has acknowledged that matches against the Netherlands and New Zealand in November could be his last in the role.

Ireland have just six points from seven matches in Euro 2024 qualifying with France already through and the Netherlands and Greece competing for second spot.

And under-pressure Kenny admitted he's unsure of his future as Ireland boss as he responded to a poser on whether next month could spell the end of his tenure.

"I honestly don’t know. It may well be," he told RTE.

"We’ll give it everything against Holland, against New Zealand. There’s no doubt, of course I want to be the manager of Ireland. It’s brilliant.

"I understand the Greece results. I understand that. Losing to Greece, that’s a 50-50 game, we lost it. There’s a lot of criticism because of that. That’s ok. There’s also been a lot of good football that people shouldn’t forget either.

"It’s a big game. Holland need to win to qualify. They will be flying. We’ve got to put a performance in against Holland in Amsterdam. It’s a big challenge, it’s one we are looking forward to. After that, it’s out of my control."

And former Celtic manager Lennon has been tipped by punters as the next man to become Ireland boss.

The ex-Hibs and Bolton boss previously admitted he would consider a job in international management and he has quickly been named 7/2 favourite with BoyleSports.

Lee Carsley is priced at 9/2 with Steve Bruce 5/1 and Chris Hughton just further back in the running at 8/1.

BoyleSports spokesperson Lawrence Lyons said: “Not many will be surprised to see Stephen Kenny bid farewell to the dugout next month and the betting on his replacement has already taken a twist with the money coming for Neil Lennon over the past 48 hours.”

Republic of Ireland next manager odds

Neil Lennon 7/2

Lee Carsley 9/2

Steve Bruce 5/1

Chris Hughton 8/1

Anthony Barry 10/1

Sam Allardyce 12/1

Roy Keane 12/1

Chris Wilder 12/1

Damien Duff 14/1

Graham Potter 16/1

Robbie Keane 16/1

John O'Shea 16/1

Odds from BoyleSports October 17

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