Former Portsmouth boss in the frame for Republic of Ireland job

The former Pompey boss was as short as 11/1 with Unibet and 888sport to succeed Martin O'Neill, who departed his post on Wednesday following a dismal run of results earlier this morning. 

Roy Keane also left his role as assistant.

Mick McCarthy looks likely for a second spell as Eire boss, with Paddy Power and Betfair pricing him up as 1/10 favourite. 

But there has been a lot of cash coming for Cook to depart Wigan and take the role.

Skybet have him as the 4/1 third favourite, while Betfred have the 51-year-old priced up at 9/2.

Cook, who guided Pompey to the League Two title in 2017, has strong links to the Emerald Isle.

The Liverpudlian was previously in charge of Sligo Rovers, guiding them to a League Cup and two FAI Cups during his five-year spell. 

Should Cook be appointed Ireland boss, Blues winger Ronan Curtis could link up with him after making his Republic of Ireland debut last week. 

Harry Redknapp is also as short as 11/1 with Unibet, although he has declared he's retired from management.