The FAI still intend to announce the new manager for the Republic of Ireland men’s national team this month.
Back in March, the association said there would be an April appointment of Stephen Kenny’s successor, but media reports around recent approaches to Gus Poyet and Anthony Barry – as well as Lee Carsley committing himself to the English FA – have thrown that timeline into doubt.
However RTÉ Sport understands the FAI are confident that the manager will be in place in the coming weeks.
John O’Shea filled the role on an interim basis last month for friendlies at home to Belgium and Switzerland, with director of football Marc Canham declaring at the former Manchester United defender’s unveiling that a permanent manger would be appointed in ‘early April’.
“We’re really near the end of the process and that’s confidential so I can’t answer the question directly, unfortunately, but we are really at the advanced stage of the process. For different practical reasons, including contracts, we can’t confirm that until early April.”
Kenny left the role on 22 November at the conclusion of Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
Watch Shelbourne v Bohemians in the League of Ireland on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
