Prosecutors in New York said the man walked up to the embassy building with a backpack containing Molotov cocktails.

Succeeding Jurgen Klopp was viewed as challenge enough and, allowing for the transition, a top-four finish was deemed eminently acceptable as Opta gave them just 5.1 per cent chance of finishing top.

The 56-year-old sheep farmer with land near Kenmare in Co Kerry was reported missing more than two months ago.