Neil Lennon surges into Republic of Ireland next boss favourite as 'money piles in on' former Celtic manager

A surge in bets has led to former boss Neil Lennon being installed as the new favourite to become the next Republic of Ireland manager.

The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving Omonia Nicosia 12 months ago and is on the search for his next role after two spells at Celtic sandwiched between stints with Bolton and Hibs plus his sojourn to Cyprus. And with Stephen Kenny's future under increasing scrutiny it's Lennon who the punters are backing.

Lawrence Lyons, Spokesperson for BoyleSports commented: “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.”

The former Celtic skipper admitted previously club football would be his preferred choice but he wasn't ruling anything out. Lennon, speaking to bestwallet.com said: “It would all depend on the country and what the project was. I do prefer to work day-to-day it’s not something I would say no to. I don’t know if I’m old enough! Seriously, there are a lot of younger men taking national team jobs these days.

“For some guys it’s just a good fit. I look at Steve Clarke and he’s taken to it like a duck to water and he’s having a great time at the minute. I’ve spoken to Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney about it before and they have good insight into what it all entails. So, I wouldn’t dismiss it, but in an ideal world I would like to come back in with a club side.”

Next Republic of Ireland manager - latest odds

7/2 Neil Lennon

9/2 Lee Carsley

5/1 Steve Bruce

6/1 Chris Hughton

10/1 Anthony Barry

12/1 Sam Allardyce

12/1 Roy Keane

12/1 Chris Wilder

14/1 Damien Duff

16/1 Graham Potter

16/1 Robbie Keane

16/1 John