Sacked Reading boss Brian McDermott is under consideration for Giovanni Trapattoni's job with the Republic of Ireland.

The Daily Star Sunday says McDermott - sacked by the Royals earlier this week - has frequently stated that his No.1 ambition is to manage Ireland.

Trapattoni, meanwhile, remains on borrowed time in the Irish hotseat and is just one bad result away from getting the bullet. Defeat to Sweden this Friday will be tolerated ONLY if the performance is acceptable.

An FAI source said: "Brian McDermott is a top, top manager and someone we are keeping a very close eye on. He did a superb job at Reading and he knows a lot of the Irish lads and will do well again in management.

"But we also have a good manager in place at the moment, don't forget."