Martin O'Neill says he couldn't turn down the opportunity to manage the Republic of Ireland. The 61-year-old and number two Roy Keane each signed initial two-year deals on Tuesday evening as the FAI's search for a replacement for Giovanni Trapattoni finally drew to a close.
O'Neill was the FAI's top target but he took his time over the decision to accept the offer although he admits he ultimately could not pass it up. O'Neill and Keane will get straight down to work next week when the players meet up ahead of friendlies against Latvia and Poland. However, the longer-term aim is qualification for the Euro 2016 finals - a process which will begin in September next year. The pair will head for the dugout at the Aviva for the first time next Friday evening when the Latvians visit Dublin, and will then travel to Poznan and their clash with the Poles four days later.
Here's O'Neill speaking about his appointment:
