SPAIN may be invited to take up the vacant May 15th date at Lansdowne Road as part of their preparations for the finals of the European Championship in England the following month.

Four of the 16 European finalists Russia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Holland have already arranged games against Ireland as part of their build up to the championship.

Ireland's participation in the US Cup tournament in June is becoming more doubtful and, unless it is resolved soon, the FAI may move within the next three days to fill the May date.

Spanish Federation officials first mooted the idea last month, on the basis that they were anxious to play British style opposition away from home to assist in their squad's preparation.

At the time Ireland's fixture list was pretty full but with the present uncertainty about the viability of the American assignment, Sean Connolly, the FAI's chief executive, has confirmed that a change of tack is being considered.

It depends to a large extent, on the communication we will be having with the American authorities over the next few days but at this point, we're already looking at alternatives," he said.

"The Spaniards were one of several countries who made inquiries about playing us and that reflects Ireland's higher profile in recent years. At the time we didn't commit ourselves to any of these inquiries but the time may now be opportune to start a mining them."

Spain, among the longest established of all Ireland's European opponents, last played in Dublin in October 1993 when their surprise 3-1 win at Lansdowne Road" threatened Ireland's place in the World Cup finals in the US the, following summer.

FAI officials reported no progress yesterday in the impasse, over the US Cup. Under a revised schedule, Ireland are now required to play Mexico in Los Angeles on June 12th and unless, this fixture is rearranged for a venue on the American eastern, seaboard, the FAI may withdraw their acceptance of an offer to take part.

Officials believe that the imposition of an additional return journey between Boston and Los Angeles is unacceptable and Mick McCarthy, the newly appointed team manager, agrees with them.

Before travelling to Malta yesterday to watch Russia play, McCarthy said that he would abide by any decision agreed by the association but stressed the desirability of playing all three of their games against the US, Mexico and Bolivia at venues on the east coast.