The FAI will explore all possibilities in their search for a new manager - and will start by employing specialist help to identify the best candidates.
However, Brendan Menton, general secretary of the FAI, has stressed they are in the market for a top-class manager to build on the achievements of Mick McCarthy, who resigned yesterday following growing criticism after defeats in Ireland's first two Euro 2004 qualifying games.
Menton said they wanted their man in place by the time the Republic play Scotland in a friendly on February 1st.
"Our objective is to find the best manager who can build on what Mick had done," said Menton.
"This is a very good, young team and it is a very exciting time for Irish international football and one of the things we are going to look at is bringing in outside expertise to help in the appointment process.
"Our objective has to be to have a top-class manager in place by February 1 for our friendly against Scotland and someone who will ensure we qualify for Euro 2004," he said.
Menton did not rule out following the current trend chosen by England and Scotland, who are led by Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson and German Berti Vogts respectively, by choosing a coach from outside Britain or Ireland.
"We would consider a foreign coach. We have spoken to nobody and there is no short list and there are no favourites at this stage.
"We have established no criteria at this stage but we are not going to rule anybody out on nationality.
"I think it is absolutely important we get a top-class international coach who will build on our recent success and what Mick has achieved."
Menton refused to comment on the likely return of Roy Keane to the squad following his high-profile bust-up with McCarthy and subsequent walk-out at this summer's World Cup.
"I think it is a matter for Roy and the new manager. Roy Keane returning to the Irish team is a matter for Roy Keane."
Menton also defended the FAI's support of McCarthy, denying that their backing had been anything other than unstinting.
"We were very disappointed (at McCarthy's resignation). We were strong in our backing of Mick (in the Keane row) and we were fully behind the manager despite the last two defeats (to Russia and Switzerland)," Menton told BBC's Radio Five Live.
"He felt other issues were beginning to impinge on the performance of the team and he decided to put the team first.
"If you look at Mick's history as manager, he came at a time when the team was in decline, when the team had dropped to 57th in the world rankings, and as he leaves with us we are ranked 14th. He can be justifiably proud of his achievements.
"We think he has done a fantastic job and we are disappointed he resigned but we understand and respect his reasons."
PA