Jimmy Nicholl has been backed as the man to take charge of Northern Ireland, while Nigel Worthington maintains he will not be throwing his hat into the ring.
Sammy McIlroy ended his four-year spell at the helm earlier this week to take over at Second Division Stockport following a disappointing Euro 2004 qualifying campaign.
The Irish Football Association are to shortly begin the search for a replacement, and Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood believes there would be no better choice than his current number two.
Calderwood said: "It doesn't surprise me in the least to hear Jimmy has been linked with the job.
"I've not seen the other names mentioned, but I'm sure, if there was anything in it, Jimmy would tell me about it. But it would amaze me if he wasn't wanted because he has been an integral part of the success we have had here at the club.
"The players, everybody and I certainly think the world of him but, if that's the way he decides to go, then what could I do?"
Calderwood acknowledges it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which the former Northern Ireland international would find difficult to resist. However, the East End Park boss has not given up hope that his assistant will turn his back on any approach.
Former Rangers and Manchester United defender Nicholl looked set to take charge of his country in 1994, but could not agree terms with the IFA and Bryan Hamilton accepted the job.
Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton, capped more than 50 times for the Ulstermen, believes both Worthington and Oldham's Iain Dowie are also likely to be approached.
The Ipswich midfielder said: "I know both harbour ambitions to do the job but whether they want to manage their country at such an early stage of their career, I'm not so sure.
"Down the line I'm sure they can."
Worthington, though, claims his short-term future lies with the Canaries. The 66-capped Northern Ireland defender said: "I don't know if I will be linked with it or not, but I am happy to be here and that's as far as it goes."