Kerr hit by withdrawals

When Brian Kerr is eventually interviewed by the FAI in relation to the vacancy with the national senior team, he should have a head start on most of his rivals when it comes to discussing ways in which international panels can be thrown together at almost a moment's notice.

The Republic of Ireland's current under-20 coach should have been completing his preparations for this week's trip to the United Arab Emirates yesterday, but instead found himself negotiating with reluctant clubs over the release of players and scampering around for replacements as it became clear just 72 hours prior the squad's scheduled departure that around half of the players named are unlikely to travel. Most of those who have been withdrawn don't even play first-team football.

Kerr's problems yesterday were largely down to a decision by Manchester City to withdraw all six of their players from the travelling party for the invitation tournament at which Ireland are scheduled to play South Korea, the UAE and France as part of their preparations for the World Youth Cup finals in March.

In addition to the City players, Kerr looks likely to be without Mark Rossiter and Stephen Capper of Sunderland as well as Stockport's Jonathon Daly. His task was complicated by the difficulties he was experiencing with even obtaining confirmation from English clubs regarding the availability of players and the fact that several potential replacements are involved with Irish clubs still attempting to avoid the relegation play-offs.

So far, Kerr has managed to bring in four replacements: John Fitzgerald (Blackburn Rovers), Joe Kendrick (Newcastle United), Paul Keegan (Leeds United) and Keith Gilroy (Middlesbrough).

"The first thing I have to do is establish exactly who is gone, and even that's proving hard at the moment," said Kerr. "I've been negotiating with City in the hope of getting even one or two of the lads - I was keen to see whether Willo Flood could make the step up to this level - but it's far from clear what will happen with them.

"And then there's the fact that lads like Paddy Mulvihill, Seán Dillon (both Longford) and Kevin Doyle (St Patrick's Athletic) will be wanted here as long as their clubs are still playing for something in the league. At the moment, though, it looks as if I might have to replace half of them."

The timing of Kerr's departure to the UAE is a little unfortunate given the ongoing search to find a replacement for Mick McCarthy. Bryan Hamilton is expected to bring a proposed shortlist of names to the FAI this week, after which the officers will discuss his recommendations and work will start on setting up meetings with the candidates.

Kerr remains one of the frontrunners for the job, with even McCarthy, with whom he had some significant run-ins over the past few years, apparently tipping him in private to get the post.

As yet there have been no attempts to set up a meeting with him before he departs for the UAE, although FAI treasurer John Delaney made it clear last week that he felt the trip could be worked around if it needed to be. In reality, it seems there will not be an opportunity to talk to Kerr until after the 10-day trip.

Frank Stapleton, meanwhile, has confirmed he held talks with Hamilton regarding his interest in the post. "I'm very passionate about the Irish team," said the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker, "but maybe the one thing against me is probably that I haven't managed in the Premiership."