FAI to meet with committee

The FAI's board of management claim "positive" progress has been made in the search for a new senior Republic of Ireland manager.

The association's chief executive, John Delaney, arrived back in Dublin this morning having attended the World Cup draw in South Africa over the weekend and arranged a meeting at the FAI's new headquarters in Abbotstown.

Delaney is believed to favour former England boss Terry Venables who is now a leading contender to succeed Steve Staunton.

But he already washed his hands of the appointment when stating last month how people with "considerable football experience" would be to the fore in unearthing the new manager.

According to an FAI statement released tonight, a report was given on the process to select a new manager and all board members expressed "satisfaction" with the search to date.

The association's leading officials now intend meeting members of the panel it has chosen to assist in the recruitment of a new senior boss.

"The purpose of this meeting will be to outline the conditions and terms of reference for the new senior international team manager and answer any questions the people involved in the selection process may have," the FAI statement read.

Confirmation of that committee was not forthcoming tonight although Bobby Robson, former England coach Don Howe and ex-Spurs manager David Pleat have been linked to the roles.

"While the Board considers it preferable to have a new manager in place before the February friendly with Brazil it will be emphasised to the recruitment panel that making the best possible appointment is the priority for Irish football," the statement concluded.