The wait for the FAI to replace Stephen Kenny's replacement as Republic of Ireland manager has been a long-winded one, though it appears an end is finally in sight.
Reports earlier this week suggested that a decision was imminent from the FAI, after a lengthy search in which numerous candidates have publicly thrown their respective hats into the ring.
One of the bookies' favourites to take over as Ireland manager, Neil Lennon, confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the various candidates will know the outcome of the FAI's search in the next few days.
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Neil Lennon says new Ireland manager will be in place in coming days
Appearing on Premier Sports' coverage of Burnley v Arsenal in the Premier League, Neil Lennon was once again quizzed on the process of finding a new Ireland manager.
Lennon confirmed this week's reports that the search is coming to an end, and that he was anxiously awaiting a decision:
It is imminent, whether that be today, tomorrow, or the next couple of days.
What that decision is, I don't know myself but I'm pretty sure that there will be a result soon. I don't know the decision as yet.
The ex-Northern Ireland international went on to say that it was pivotal a managerial appointment was made as soon as possible, to allow the new boss time to prepare for March's friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland:
I think so [it is pivotal]. To get out and watch players, integrate with the players, find out what they can do better from the last campaign. Little things like that.
You've got to pick a squad for the games at the end of March and they're looming on the horizon pretty soon.
10 August 2013; Glasgow Celtic XI manager Neil Lennon watches on from the sideline during the game. Dublin Decider, Liverpool XI v Glasgow Celtic XI, Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Picture credit: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE
Lennon previously managed Celtic across two separate spells, winning five SPL titles as boss of the club with whom he spent seven years of his playing career.
More challenging spells as manager of Bolton, Hibernian and Omonia Nicosia have cast doubt on whether he is the right man for the job, though the list of candidates remains somewhat up in the air.
Just this week, pundits on RTÉ and Virgin Media have alleged that both Lee Carsley and Chris Hughton are out of the race.
If Carsley is indeed out of the running, it would be a major blow. The England U21 manager feels firmly positioned as not only the favoured option among Ireland fans but also the FAI's desired pick.
Ireland fans await news of their new manager with bated breath - it seems as though clarity will indeed arrive in the coming days.
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