Out of all of the potential candidates supposedly in the running to become the next Ireland manager, Lee Carlsey is the one that seems to have the highest approval rating among fans and pundits.
It's easy to see why that is the case. Not only was he a 40-cap Ireland international during his playing days, but he also has forged an excellent reputation as a coach in recent years. Having spent times at the likes of Brentford and Manchester City, he would go on to step into the FA setup and manage the England U21s to Euro glory last summer.
His Ireland links, mixed with his pedigree in improving young players, makes him an ideal fit for the role.
However, it seems that the FAI are not the only part interested in the services of Lee Carlsey at the minute.
READ HERE: Bayern Boss Tells FAI To "Forget About" Poaching Assistant For Ireland Job
FAI set to face competition for Ireland manager favourite Lee Carsley
According to BBC reporter Aaron Paul, Stoke City have met with Lee Carsley about their vacant managerial role in recent days.
The Championship club are currently on the lookout for a new head coach after sacking Alex Neil earlier this week on the back of a poor run of results. They currently sit just one point above the relegation zone in the English second tier.
It remains to be seen which role Lee Carsley would be more interested in. The Ireland job is certainly the more prestigious of the two, although the 49-year old may want to try his hand at club management having spent the last number of years coaching England underage sides.
In saying that, Stoke City hardly seems like the most attractive club at the moment considering their current predicament.
It is thought that Carlsey and Chris Hughton are the two frontrunners for the Ireland job at the moment, with Thomas Tuchel yesterday shutting down rumours of a potential move for Bayern Munich coach Anthony Barry. Like Carsley, Hughton is currently in employment elsewhere and is set to lead Ghana at the African Cup of Nations next month.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill recently said that they have already contact all parties who are in the running for the position.
With the Association wanting to have a new Ireland manager in place by the start of March at the latest, you can expect the process to develop fairly rapidly once we enter the new year.
SEE ALSO: Kerr Wonders If Brady 'Conscience' Led To Suggestion For Next Ireland Manager
