Aldridge was one of Ireland's stars in the 90s

Merseyside-born Aldridge, 43, was a player and manager of Tranmere before standing down in 2001.

He has been concentrating on media work since, although the former hitman tried to get back into management when he had talks with FAI side Bohemians last year.

Bryan Robson (odds 7-4)
The former Middlesbrough boss has been out of football since he left The Riverside last year and has been linked with several club vacancies in recent weeks.

Robson is keen to get back into management

Robson left Boro by mutual consent after a run of poor results but has recently expressed his desire to return to management.

The former Man Utd captain, who won 90 caps for England, is a former team-mate of Roy Keane, a factor which could count in his favour.

David O'Leary (odds 20-1)
The former Leeds boss would be another of the FAI's main targets, but says he wants to return to club management.

The 42-year-old O'Leary, who won 67 caps for the Republic, would be a popular choice with the fans.

O'Leary is open to offers

O'Leary was a colussus during Jack Charlton's reign and scored the penalty in the famous World Cup shoot-out against Romania that took Ireland through to the 1990 quarter-finals.

Born in Dublin, the big defender played 558 league games for Arsenal spanning 18 years.

O'Leary was linked with West Ham United and Sunderland, but is still waiting to return to the game after his Elland Road sacking last June.

Other contenders:
11/4 Peter Reid
16/1 Brian Kerr
16/1 Terry Venables
20/1 Alex Ferguson
25/1 Martin O'Neill
25/1 Ronnie Whelan
25/1 George Graham
25/1 Kenny Dalglish
33/1 George Burley
33/1 Niall Quinn
40/1 Liam Brady
80/1 Roy Keane

Odds supplied by Paddy Power bookmakers