The Republic of Ireland may've granted Martin Jol some breathing space at Fulham.

The Daily Star Sunday says Martin O'Neill was a strong candidate to replace Jol at Fulham until his appointment as Republic of Ireland boss.

Fulham was a job which, it is understood, would have interested former Sunderland boss O'Neill.

But O'Neill was excited about the prospect of managing Ireland, where he has appointed another ex-Sunderland boss Roy Keane as his No.2

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