First training session for new Ireland management team

The Ireland squad has held its first training session under the new management team of Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane, with a large media contingent in attendance.

County Derry born O'Neill was confirmed as successor to Giovanni Trapattoni last week. His assistant organised much of today's session ahead of Friday night's friendly against Latvia at the Aviva Stadium.

Keane wasted little time in making his presence felt this morning, with the 42-year-old arriving at Ireland's training base in Malahide a full 90 minutes before manager Martin O'Neill and his players were due to begin work.

Keane went straight on to the training pitch to ensure everything was in place for the start of the morning session and then inspected the nearby gym facilities.

O'Neill arrived on the team coach and he and Keane looked on as the players warmed up, with keepers David Forde, Keiren Westwood and Rob Elliot working apart with new goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh.

The real work began once the cameras had been switched off and journalists asked to leave after their allotted time, with a new era in Irish football well and truly under way.
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Speculation mounts on Martin O'Neill Ireland appointment

Speculation is mounting that Martin O'Neill could soon be unveiled as the new Ireland manager.

A number of bookmakers have suspended betting on the next Irish boss after a flurry of bets saw O’Neill backed off the market.

There are also reports this evening that Roy Keane is  prepared to come on board as assistant to O'Neill.

It's reported that the FAI recruitment team of Ray Houghton and Ruud Dokter will present their report to the Football Association of Ireland early next week.

County Derry born O'Neill has been out of work since departing the Stadium of Light in March and has previously managed Celtic and Aston Villa.

Speculation linking Mick McCarthy with a return to the job he held for six years appears to have cooled.

Ipswich Town confirmed on Thursday that they have received no approach from the FAI for his services.