Former international Frank Stapleton has welcomed the impending appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni as the new Republic of Ireland boss, describing it as "very positive".
One of the most famous names in management is expected to be confirmed in the post tomorrow afternoon following a Football Association of Ireland (FAI) board meeting.
It is understood chief executive John Delaney is meeting with the 68-year-old Italian in Salzburg today to iron out the contractual details.
Trapattoni is currently in charge of Red Bull Salzburg, so will be unable to take up his new position until the end of the Austrian League season in late April.
His arrival, though, has certainly set Irish pulses racing, with the lengthy search for Steve Staunton's successor now finally at an end after over 100 days.
"Everybody knows what a great CV he has, which stands up to great scrutiny, so it's very positive," former Republic of Ireland striker Stapleton told Sky Sports News.
"When Steve Staunton left the job, in my opinion they had to look for somebody very experienced at international level and who had enjoyed success.
"I suppose they've gone down the same lines as England in many ways (with Fabio Capello).
"But if he (Trapattoni) can't do it, then we're struggling," added the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker.
Asked whether he was concerned the FAI had failed to appoint an Irishman, Stapleton replied: "No, not at all."
It is expected Trapattoni will bring with him former Italy star Claudio Gentile as his assistant and Fausto Rossi as fitness coach.
Liam Brady, who played under Trapattoni at Juventus in the early 1980s, will also form part of the backroom team, potentially as general manager.
Due to Trapattoni's immediate commitment to Salzburg, plans for a March training camp look likely to the be shelved, so his first game in charge will be the arranged friendly against Serbia at Croke Park in Dublin on May 24th.
However, it is two games next year that are certain to be eagerly anticipated as the Republic face Italy on April 1st and October 10th as part of their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
