Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy looks set to be offered an extended contract until the 2006 World Cup finals according to reports emerging from Tokyo today.
FAI president Milo Corcoran has said: "We would be mad to lose Mick McCarthy as manager. I would love to see him stay until the next World Cup and I know that is what the FAI want."
McCarthy was unavailable to comment on the new contract but his agent Liam Gaskin confirmed that the two parties would meet to discuss a new contract.
The anticipated offer will inevitably cast a serious doubt on the international career of Roy Keane who has vowed not to play under McCarthy again following the torturous saga in Saipan
The possible new contract then is a clear sign the FAI supported McCarthy in his dispute with Keane.
McCarthy's contract is due to expire at the end of the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal, but FAI officials want him to stay for another two years.
"It is true that we will be talking to the FAI about Mick's future but only after the World Cup finals," Gaskin confirmed.
"No decision will be made regarding Mick until after Ireland's involvement at this tournament comes to an end and we hope that is still some way away.
"Mick will sit down with the FAI and listen to what they have to say," Gaskin said.
"He is under contract for another two years and after that we have to wait and see," he added.