FAI nearing its goal

Bryan Hamilton to interview every candidate

The Republic of Ireland are on course to have a new manager in place by the time they face Scotland in a friendly on 12 February.

Former Northern Ireland manager Bryan Hamilton has been interviewing candidates on behalf of the FAI and has been encouraged by the quality of applicants.

According to reports at the week-end Kenny Dalglish, Brian Kerr and Kevin Moran are on a short-list.

It is believed that up to 20 candidates have expressed an interest in taking over from Mick McCarthy, and all will be interviewed by Hamilton in due course.

Advisors

"We have had a very positive response and it is an ongoing process,'' said an FAI spokesman.

''However, we are not going to make any comments until the process is finished and we have something to say.

"The target is to have somebody in place by February, but we shall not know the exact timing of things until Bryan has finished the process."

Meanwhile, the implementation steering committee of the FAI has stepped up the process of appointing a new chief executive officer for the association.

The job description for the new position is being drawn up and the selection of recruitment advisors will take place following its next meeting on 10 January.