Irish international midfielder Graham Kavanagh has called on the FAI to replace Brian Kerr with a fellow Irishman, or at least someone with Irish connections.
Wigan midfielder Kavanagh believes that it will take an Irishman to reestablish the passion and heart that has been missing from Irish performances of late.
A three-man sub-committee have begun what chief executive John Delaney described as their head-hunting mission, with Martin O'Neill understood to be the number one choice.
O'Neill is also the bookmakers' and fans' favourite although there is some doubt over his availability to take the job given his wife's illness.
Kavanagh certainly feels the likes of O'Neill would be ideal as he said: "Whoever the FIA choose, it has to be the right appointment.
"We've now missed out on a World Cup and a European Championships, and financially it has cost the FIA a hell of a lot of money, so they have to make sure we qualify for the next Europeans in 2008.
"Obviously, there's been lots of names bandied about these past few days, but I'm sure whoever they pick will be somebody connected with Ireland, someone who has a passion for the country and has Ireland's best interests at heart," the Wigan midielder added.
"I don't want to ruin my chances if a foreign manager does come in, but given a choice I would like to see an Irish manager, or one with Irish connections.
"The passion of the Irish people rubs off, and when you go to Lansdowne Road and you see the atmosphere and what the people are like, that rubs off on you," he added.
"But then, looking back, Jack Charlton was not connected to Ireland and he did the best job ever!"
