Martin O’Neill, the Republic of Ireland manager,  has revealed that he is ready to extend his contract until 2020.

The former Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa manager also confirmed that he has held talks with Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney about a new two-year deal.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s game with Moldova in Dublin, O’Neill said: “I think there is a willingness on both sides [to continue].”

Republic of Ireland have to win their last two 2018 World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Wales on Monday to stay in the hunt for a playoff place.

Speaking further, O’Neill, who has been in charge since November 2013 said: “I think there is much to look forward to.”

“We qualified for a competition and I think season tickets have gone from 4,000 to 16,000 so I think there is some evidence we are doing okay.

“We’re still in the mix and one out of one [qualifying] at this minute is not too bad.” he concluded.