FAI to meet Robson next week

The FAI will meet their international football consultant Bobby Robson late next week to discuss his future in the role.

Robson is continuing his recovery at home following surgery in August to remove a small brain tumour.

Because of his initial diagnosis, subsequent surgery and then a setback, the 73-year-old former England manager was unable to attend the home friendly defeat to Holland or the loss in Germany last month.

He has not travelled to Cyprus for tomorrow's European qualifier and will not be in Dublin on Wednesday for the game with the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road.

FAI chief executive John Delaney insists Robson's future with the association will be determined by medical advice.

"We always knew he wouldn't be coming to Cyprus and that he would not be in for the Czech Republic game because of recent health matters," said Delaney.

"I've been speaking to him twice a week since his latest setback. He was in hospital, but is out now, and that's something that should be welcomed because he is back in his own surroundings.

"The human side of this is that he is such a smashing person. He is one of the nicest people I've ever met in the game.

"But I felt it was best to wait until after the Czech Republic match, and after he returned home, to sit down and have a chat about future plans and the current medical advice.

"If there is anything to be said publicly at that stage then we will appraise you."