The FAI have confirmed that they are close to naming Martin O’Neill as the new Republic of Ireland manager with ex-Blues boss Roy Keane as his assistant.
"We can confirm that the management appointment process with Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane is at an advanced stage,” said a tweet from the FAI's official account this morning, adding that there will be further updates later today.
In another tweet, FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "Detailed discussions with Martin and Roy are advanced. We hope to have things signed by Saturday."
Town boss Mick McCarthy had been considered one of the main contenders for the role vacated by Giovanni Trapattoni in September but no contact was made with the Blues.
Speaking on Friday, as speculation that O’Neill’s appointment was close grew, McCarthy said: "I’ve said all along nobody’s asked me about it and I don’t see why I should answer questions which are hypothetical.
"I said six weeks ago that Martin O’Neill was getting it and I think you’ll probably find that that’s the case.”