From the Queen of Scots to Katie Taylor, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan could have quite a diverse set of roles ahead of her to play.

Following the news that the young actress is to be cast in a period drama about the Queen of Scots, Saoirse may have to brush up on her boxing skills and get them to Olympic-gold standard as she is most likely to play Bray boxer Katie Taylor in a film about her life, according to the bookies.

Bookies claim Saoirse Ronan is most likely to play Katie in a film about the boxer's amazing life, dedication to her sport and success.

Paddy Power yesterday opened the betting on who will play the Bray boxer if a film is made.

Katie Taylor, the Bray girl won the Olympics' first gold medal for women's boxing.

Ronan is the early 8-1 favourite, followed by 'Lead Balloon' actress Antonia Campbell Hughes and 'Twilight's Kristen Stewart, who are both 10-1.

Further down the list to play Ireland's gold medal winner is 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' actress Rooney Mara, who is priced at 25-1.

Paddy Power said; “Saoirse Ronan is no stranger to physical roles and we think she has the edge on others given that she is Irish.”

Quite a different role to the 16^th century's Mary Queen of Scots.

And we can't guarantee the standard of her left-hook...