Kevin Moran's prospects of succeeding Mick McCarthy as Republic of Ireland manager diminished today when Brian Kidd, who Moran touted as his potential number two, was appointed assistant to England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Kidd, who will continue to coach at Leeds, has been chosen as a replacement for Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren, who stepped down from his England post before Christmas.
Moran (46) enjoyed an outstanding playing career with Ireland (71 caps) and Manchester United (1978-1988) but his lack of management experience has weighed heavily against him since expressing an interest in the vacant Irish job.
His solution to this was to tout Brian Kidd as his preferred right hand man with the former Blackburn boss taking the roll on part-time basis while staying on at Elland Road.
Kidd made his name as a coach when he was Alex Ferguson's number two at Manchester United. He left Old Trafford in December 1998 to take over as Blackburn boss. The club were relegated in 1999.
He became head of youth development at Leeds in May 2000 following a turbulent time at Ewood Park. David O'Leary, then Leeds manager, subsequently promoted the 53-year-old to first-team coach.
Meanwhile, the FAI's three man selection committee - treasurer John Delaney, president Milo Corcoran and acting general secretary Kevin Fahy - are in England today with advisor Bryan Hamilton to interview the remaining candidates on the shortlist.
Bryan Robson, Philippe Troussier and Moran are reported to be among the men expected to undergo second interviews before the weekend.