Mick McCarthy is on the brink of leaving his post as manager of the Republic of Ireland.
The 43-year-old Yorkshireman was set to meet with his Football Association of Ireland bosses this evening, where a compensation package is expected to be agreed.
McCarthy has been under increasing pressure ever since the end of the World Cup finals in the summer, despite leading the team into the second round, where they lost on penalties to Spain.
That was achieved without the Republic's influential captain Roy Keane, who was sent home from the squad's pre-tournament training base in Saipan following a highly-publicised row with McCarthy.
The team have since lost both their opening Euro 2004 qualifying campaign matches - away to Russia and at home to Switzerland - and it is believed McCarthy now feels the time is right to leave the job he has held since succeeding Jack Charlton six years ago.
The FAI had wanted McCarthy to remain in the post, but will agree to his request for an amicable parting.
The Republic have a friendly against Greece in a fortnight, and Under-21 boss Don Givens is set to be named as caretaker-manager for that match.
The FAI will then set about finding a replacement for McCarthy and will hope to have one installed before their next Euro 2004 qualifier, away to Georgia at the end of March.
At least four names will be on the shortlist of successors. They are David O'Leary, John Toshack, John Aldridge and Joe Kinnear.
PA