Sunderland beat the Republic of Ireland to the appointment of new manager Martin O'Neill.

The Daily Star Sunday says Irish bosses were monitoring former Northern Ireland midfielder O'Neill for their top job in case Giovanni Trapattoni failed to agree a new contract.

But Ireland's manager signed a new deal that will take him to the end of their qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.

An Irish source revealed: "Because of Trapattoni's age - 72 - there were fears he might not want another contract. O'Neill would have been our top target if that had been the case.

"The vibes were that he was ready to return to management. But it was also known that, having been a Sunderland supporter as a lad, he would really fancy that job if it came up."