Leading bookmakers in Ireland and across the channel have suspended betting on the race to succeed Mick McCarthy as Republic of Ireland manager, indicating that the FAI have indeed chosen their man.
The FAI selection committee of treasurer John Delaney, president Milo Corcoran and acting general secretary Kevin Fahy returned to Dublin this morning after interviewing candidates in England during the week.
The association confirmed that seven people were interviewed to succeed McCarthy. They are Brian Kerr, John Aldrige, Kevin Moran, Bryan Robson, Peter Reid, Philippe Troussier and Frank Stapleton.
Ireland youth team boss Brian Kerr received significant support in the betting shops earlier today. Kerr, currently in the United Arab Emirates with the under-20 team, saw his odds harden to 2/5 favourite with Irish bookmakers Paddy Power.
Former Tranmere manager John Aldrigde also attracted heavy support and was backed from 11/2 into 2/1 second favourite.
It is expected that the new manager will be named next Tuesday or Wednesday.