By Chris O'Brien
October 19 2005

Sir Alex Ferguson has been priced as third favourite to succeed Brian Kerr as Ireland boss. This is despite the Scotsman's denial that he has any interested in pursuing any new challenge in football and his insistence that he has no plans to leave Old Trafford.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson's denial that he could become the next Republic of Ireland boss, bookmakers are still being careful with the odds they offer on the Scotsman making the trip over the Irish Sea. Sources also suggest the 63-year-old is proving a popular 'punt' with supporters across the Emerald Isle!

Fergie was fuming after former United favourite Denis Irwin told Irish press that he had it on good authority that the Manchester United boss was in talks with the Irish FA about coaching the national side. The former Aberdeen boss underlined his intentions to see out his career at Old Trafford and assured supporters that rumours were merely press speculation.

"After this job I'm finished. It is important to clarify this. Ireland  is not an option. Once you've been with Manchester United, you don't go and manage elsewhere." said Sir Alex as the press printed heated articles linking Ferguson with the job which has now been made vacant following Brian Kerr's sacking.

In the face of Ferguson's defiance that he will not work after Old Trafford, bookmakers William Hill have priced him as third favourite to succeed Kerr as Ireland look ahead to qualification for the 2008 European Championships. Former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, once a Northern Irish international, is favourite whilst Roy Keane and former United favourites Bryan Robson, Gordon Strachan and Kevin Moran are all amongst the betting short-list.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson is priced at 33/1 to be the first Premiership manager sacked this season.

"We're sure Sir Alex is totally sincere when he says he will end his career at United, but events can sometimes overtake ambitions and it is not difficult to imagine a scenario which might result in an international job becoming an attractive career move" said William Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Full odds stating who will become the next Ireland boss, courtesy of William Hill, are as follows:

Martin O'Neill 11/4
David O'Leary 6/1
Sir Alex Ferguson 13/2
John Alrdrige 7/1
Chris Hughton 12/1
Roy Keane 14/1
Sir Bobby Robson 14/1
Joe Kinnear 20/1
Liam Brady 20/1
George Burley 20/1
Peter Reid 20/1
Terry Venables 20/1
Kenny Dalglish 25/1
Bryan Robson 25/1
Don Givens 25/1
George Graham 25/1
Ray Houghton 25/1
Ronnie Whelan 25/1
Gordon Strachan 40/1
Kevin Moran 40/1
Niall Quinn 40/1
Berti Vogts 50/1
Mick McCarthy 66/1
Jack Charlton 100/1
Eamonn Dunphy 200/1
Jose Mourinho 200/1