FAI expected to meet on Tuesday

Steve Staunton's reign as Ireland manager is likely to come to an end on Tuesday at an emergency meeting of the FAI's board.

Chief executive John Delaney indicated last week that the association would be considering their options in the wake of the awful home draw with Cyprus and that a board meeting scheduled for after the final match of the campaign in Wales next month would  be brought forward.

It has been reported this morning that the meeting will now take place on Tuesday.

There is huge pressure on Staunton, who is midway through a four-year contract, and the FAI after a disappointing campaign which also included a 5-2 thrashing in Nicosia and a close shave in San Marino.

And rather than give Staunton his public support in an RTE interview, Delaney instead opted to absolve himself of the blame which has been attached to him for appointing a boss with no previous managerial experience.

Delaney said: "It was very clear that three people were involved when Steve was appointed. It was a sub-committee of the FAI of three people who made the appointment of the management team.

"It's unfortunate that I've been personally linked to the appointment when it was a decision of a committee of 10."

Delaney added: "This is the third or fourth 'crisis' around the management. It is important board members get time to reflect on recent performances."