Bryan Hamilton is expected to submit a proposed shortlist of six names for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager's job to the FAI at some stage today.
Hamilton was approached by the FAI in December to act as an adviser on the appointment of its new senior team manager.
"We sat and chatted about the situation and how they [FAI] would deal with it," said Hamilton describing his informal conversations with the candidates.
"Obviously everybody has got strengths, everybody I spoke with has terrific strengths. It's now a matter of just deciding which of those strengths is most suitable for the job in hand," he added.
Once the list has been submitted, officers in Merrion Square will discuss the former Northern Ireland manager's recommendations before working towards setting up interviews with the candidates.
FAI president Milo Corcoran, acting general secretary Kevin Fahy and treasurer John Delaney are expected to sit on the interview panel.
The Republic of Ireland's current under-20 coach, Brian Kerr, is one of the front runners for the position but Kerr has more pressing commitments at present.
Instead of putting final preparations for a week's trip to the United Arab Emirates with the under-20's, he is negotiating with reluctant clubs over the release of players.
Other high profile names connected with the post include former Liverpool, Newcastle and Blackburn manager Kenny Dalglish and Frenchman Philippe Troussier, who led Japan at last summer's World Cup Finals.
Former Republic of Ireland players, Frank Stapleton and John Aldridge, alongside former Premiership managers Peter Reid and Bryan Robson have also been linked to the job since Mick McCarthy vacated the position.