With the search for Stephen Kenny's replacement as Ireland manager still ongoing, it is expected that a new coach will be in place by the time the March international window rolls around.
It will be important to have someone in place as soon as possible, with the friendlies in March and June an opportunity for the new boss to get acquainted with the squad ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign in the second half of the year. As we have seen in recent times, a good finish in that competition can help when it comes to the subsequent qualification campaign.
Of course, the FAI will also want to get the appointment right. After the poor results that were achieved under the previous regime, the new manager will be tasked with vastly improving the team's fortunes on the pitch.
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Eamon Dunphy names preferred choice to be next Ireland manager
Lee Carsley and Chris Hughton are currently seen as the favourites to become the next Ireland manager, while Anthony Barry is also thought to be in the running.
Writing in The Daily Star, Eamon Dunphy said that while all three of those would be decent choices, he sees Carsley as the standout candidate.
In the last couple of weeks, three names have been to the fore — Chris Hughton, Lee Carsley and Anthony Barry.
What is refreshing is the fact that all three have a lot going for them...
My main concern was that [Barry] has always been a coach, never a manager...
Hughton is very smart and would play to his squad’s strengths. He is a very calm and composed character and all the media duties etc wouldn’t faze him.
He’d be a good choice but my choice would be Carsley. He turns 50 in February and the job would come at a good time for the former Ireland midfielder.
It’s as if he has been building towards this, and so many people rave about him as a coach.
Carsley is also passionate about Irish football and would really get the job and what it means to people. I’d love to see him get it.
Lee Carsley has done an excellent job with the England U21s, also spending times at the likes of Brentford and Manchester City before linking up with the FA.
He certainly would make a lot of sense as next Ireland manager.
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