Martin O'Neill tops list to succeed sacked Giovanni Trapattoni as Republic of Ireland manager "It will be interesting to see who puts their best foot forward," Delaney said. I think names like Mick [McCarthy], Brian McDermott, Chris Hughton, Roy Keane all come into the pot, and Martin O'Neill of course. I think there will be plenty of interest because, first of all, 24 teams go to the European Championship [in 2016] and it is genuinely accepted that we have a good crop of young players. The board will meet within the next week and will determine a process. While O'Neill is the strong favourite for the job, there remain concerns over his appetite for international management which could open the door for McCarthy or Keane to emerge as front-runners. McCarthy has previously made clear his interest in returning to the role he vacated in November 2002, while Keane has also expressed a willingness to manage his country. Keane's combustible nature and his long-standing feud with Delaney would appear to mark the 42-year-old down as an outsider for the job, but with the FAI determined to re-energise public interest in the Ireland team and ensure greater attendances at the Aviva Stadium, Keane remains a potential appointment. Despite ending Ireland's 10-year absence from major tournaments by guiding the country to Euro 2012, Trapattoni had become an unpopular figure among supporters and some players since overseeing three comprehensive defeats in Poland and Ukraine. The Italian's tactics and reluctance to promote emerging talents such as James McCarthy, James McClean and Robbie Brady led to disharmony, with the likes of Everton midfielder Darron Gibson withdrawing from the international scene due to frustration with the 74-year-old's regime. Ian Harte, who claimed that Trapattoni overlooked him for a return to the squad because he did not realise he was Irish, tweeted "Delighted to hear the news" following the announcement of the Italian's dismissal on Wednesday afternoon. Trapattoni's refusal, until recently, to attend matches in person to scout players also led to criticism of his commitment to Ireland, with former manager Brian Kerr describing his approach as "criminal." "Apart from not going to matches, he has taken very little interest in Irish football in general," Kerr said. The point of not going to watch players was criminal from the beginning. I don't know how he got away with it. Contenders for the job Martin O'Neill The man at the top of the FAI list, but the 61-year-old will need to be persuaded that he can succeed in the role and that it is a better option than a club job. Mick McCarthy Has support within the FAI. Derided for long-ball tactics during first spell in charge, but now remembered fondly for guiding team to 2002 World Cup. Roy Keane Hugely divisive figure but out of work and looking to return to the game. Would be a box-office appointment just when the FAI needs to fill the Aviva Stadium.