Sammy McIlroy is likely to be offered a new two-year deal to carry on as Northern Ireland manager.
The Irish Football Association believes McIlroy has made progress during his 18 months in the job despite a six-match losing run.
The IFA plans to sit down with McIlroy in August and hope to have a new contract agreed before the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
IFA president Jim Boyce said: "I intend to invite Sammy to meet the IFA international committee and ideally I would like that to happen in early August.
"Personally I think Sammy should be rewarded with a new contract, but that is a decision which will be made by the international committee.
"Like all other Northern Ireland fans I have been disappointed with our results, but it should be noted in recent matches we have played without key players.
"I'm very hopeful for the future and Sammy has introduced virtually an entire squad of players, many of whom are very young and have great talent and potential."
McIlroy's present deal expires at the end of the World Cup campaign in October, and a new deal would cover the qualifying for the 2004 European Championships.
PA