The new Republic of Ireland manager will be in place within the next 10 days, according to an FAI statement released tonight.

It had been anticipated that the FAI board would be in a position to name the successful candidate following a meeting at the CityWest hotel this evening.

However, further delays to the drawn out process mean it is highly unlikely the new coach will not be unveiled prior to Wednesday's friendly with Brazil at Croke Park.

It is understood that Giovanni Trapattoni and Terry Venables remain the frontrunners for the post. Both are believed to have been shortlisted by the selection panel chaired by caretaker-manager and current under-21 boss Don Givens. Former international Ray Houghton and well-travelled coach Don Howe are the other members.

In a brief statement released following today's progress report to the board by Givens, the FAI expressed their satisfaction with the process.

"He (Givens) gave the ten board members a progress report on the work done by himself and the other members of the selection panel, Ray Houghton and Don Howe, since he last spoke to the board," read the statement.

"He indicated that the Panel's work will be completed within ten days and that an appointment is imminent."