DUBLIN, Oct 26 (SW) – Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has played down the rumours tipping him to replace Brian Kerr as new Republic of Ireland manager.

The 53-year-old tactician, who had been linked with the Ireland job even before confirmation of Brian Kerr’s exit, has confirmed to the media the reasons which had made him give up on the Parkhead managerial position had not been altered.

"I don't know how my name came into the betting. I left football for personal reasons and these circumstances haven't changed one jot. I can't see them changing for the foreseeable future," confirmed O'Neill.

O’Neill left Glasgow shortly after Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final against Dundee United last May, to take care of his sick wife Geraldine.

The FAI have yet to confirm the successor of Brian Kerr at the helm of the Republic of Ireland national team, but United’s Alex Fergsuon and Roy Keane, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish and former Newcastle boss Bobby Robson have emerged as very strong candidates in the Irish press.