The Board of the FAI will this evening receive an update from Don Givens on the progress being made by the association's three-man recruitment panel in its ongoing search for Steve Staunton's successor.

FAI chief executive John Delaney had suggested the committee might be in a position to make a recommendation tonight, but with at least two candidates apparently still to be interviewed and Givens temporarily preoccupied with his Pro license coaching course, it was described as "highly unlikely" yesterday that an appointment is imminent.

Givens is set to name the Irish squad for the forthcoming friendly against Brazil on Thursday afternoon and the 58-year-old has suggested that he also expects to still be in charge of the team for the game itself, which takes place on February 6th at Croke Park.

Within the association, however, it is hoped that the new man might have been identified and negotiations concluded ahead of the game so that he can see the group of players he is to inherit in action for the first time.

The two men said to be still awaiting interviews for the job are reported to be Lawrie Sanchez and former Derby boss Billy Davies.

Neither is viewed as being a frontrunner for the job, but the three-man committee had committed itself to meeting with every credible candidate that expressed an interest.

Terry Venables remains the bookmaker's favourite despite persistent speculation he might end up losing out to any one of several rivals. Gerard Houllier, for example, continues to be linked with the post despite unconfirmed reports at the weekend that he is no longer interested.

Steve Coppell and Dave O'Leary both distanced themselves from the vacancy last week while Kenny Dalglish, Liam Brady and Glenn Hoddle are amongst the others still believed to be in contention.