Off the Ball understands that negotiations between Mick McCarthy and the FAI could successfully conclude over the weekend for McCarthy to become manager of the Republic of Ireland for a second time.
The FAI are understood to want to make a swift appointment to replace Martin O'Neill, who parted company with the Association yesterday after 5 years in charge.
McCarthy captained the national team at the 1988 European Championship and the 1990 World Cup.
He managed the Republic of Ireland team between 1996 and 2002, guiding the Boys in Green to the World Cup in Korea and Japan in 2002.
McCarthy has been on a break from management since leaving Ipswich Town earlier this year.
The draw for the Euro 2020 qualifiers will take place in Dublin on Sunday week.
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