Republic of Ireland international Lee Carsley is hoping the FAI will resolve the managerial vacancy situation "sooner rather than later".

A three-man panel comprising of Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton, were due to make a recommendation to the 10-man Football Association of Ireland board of management yesterday.

Two months ago the board stated it would be "preferable to have a new manager in place before the February friendly with Brazil".

However, it is now possible no successor to the axed Steve Staunton will be in place for the Croke Park clash on February 6th.

It is looking more than likely Givens, who tomorrow announces the squad to take on the Brazilians, will retain his caretaker role for that game.

An FAI statement yesterday confirmed "that more time is required before the panel return with a recommendation".

Following a succession of interviews over the last few weeks, it is understood Terry Venables, Liam Brady and Gerard Houllier are the preferred candidates.

However, it is believed the panel have not yet interviewed all the applicants, with Lawrie Sanchez and Billy Davies apparently still to be seen.

With Staunton's departure now three months ago, the matter seems to be dragging on.

Everton midfielder Carsley said: "Like the rest of the players, I'd like for it to be sorted sooner rather than later.

"We've an important game coming up in February, which is one of those building towards the next (World Cup qualifying) campaign.

"So it's important we get someone in place as soon as we can. Clearly, anyone and everyone has been linked to the post.

"I only hear from my family in Ireland who is being linked because as players we're out of the loop. But they want to know what is going on as soon as I do."

Wigan winger Kevin Kilbane also confirmed the players are in the dark, adding: "We don't know anything.

"We're reading what everybody else is reading, with a new name seeming to be coming up every week. But they (the panel) appear to be going down the right channels, speaking to the right people. So we will wait and see."  PA