Ireland appointment appears imminent

It looks increasingly likely that a new Republic of Ireland manager will be in place before Wednesday's friendly against Brazil at Croke Park.

The chairman of the selection panel established to recruit Steve Staunton's successor, has asked the President of the Football Association of Ireland to convene a meeting of the Board of Management.

David Blood has called a meeting for tomorrow evening at 6.30pm in Dublin's Citywest Hotel.

The three-man committee of Don Givens, Ray Houghton and Don Howe has met and interviewed numerous candidates in the past few months.

Former England and Barcelona manager Terry Venables and former Liverpool supremo Gerard Houllier had been the early favourites.

However, the latest reports suggest that veteran Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni is the man most likely to lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2010 World Cup.

The FAI have also confirmed that a statement will be issued after the meeting and posted on their website.