Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane have emerged as the primary contenders for the Republic of Ireland job should Martin O'Neill leave the post, according to a report.

The Ipswich Town boss and the Ireland assistant manager famously fell out at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, the then-captain opting to return home rather than play under McCarthy.

According to The Sun, Ireland head coach O'Neill is being pursued by Stoke City and Keane would be promoted to the top national job in a bid to stop him also going to the bet365 Stadium.

However, the report claims that McCarthy is also being considered for the Republic due to his Ipswich Town contract expiring in May, saving the nation from having to pay the Blues any compensation.

Ireland failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after succumbing to a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Denmark in their playoff encounter.