FAI technical director Brian Kerr and former Manchester United midfielder Bryan Robson have emerged as the two clear favourites to succeed Mick McCarthy as manager of the Republic of Ireland squad.
Kerr, who leaves for the United Arab Emirates with an Irish under-20 squad tomorrow, is believed to have been interviewed already and has been installed as a 1-2 favourite to take up the reins of the national team by bookmakers around the country.
The former St Patrick's Athletic boss, who has enjoyed unprecedented success coaching Ireland's underage teams, heads a shortlist that is believed to include Robson, Philippe Troussier, Kenny Dalglish and George Burley.
Ex-Northern Ireland coach Bryan Hamilton, employed by the Association to draw up the shortlist of candidates, handed his dossier to FAI president Milo Corcoran in Dublin last night.
Of that shortlist, Hamilton said: "The quality of the field is very impressive," adding that he had been particularly impressed by the "level of desire shown for the position".
Corcoran, acting general secretary Kevin Fahy and treasurer John Delaney, aiming to appoint Mick McCarthy's successor within a fortnight, will now hold final interviews with the shortlisted candidates.A decision will be taken by the end of the month, according to spokesman Brendan McKenna.
"We chose Bryan Hamilton to help out about three weeks ago because he's a former international manager. He was in Dublin last night and submitted his shortlist to the officers of the FAI.
"They will now mull over Bryan's list and we hope to have someone in place by the end of the month, in time for the friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on February 12th."
The FAI added, in a statement: "We're extremely pleased with the outcome of the first phase of the recruitment process.
"Bryan Hamilton met with our selection committee yesterday following an extensive number of contacts with a wide range of applicants over the past month."