By Lyle Jackson BBC Sport

The Republic of Ireland's failure to reach the World Cup finals could herald the departure of manager Brian Kerr and end a number of international playing careers.

Brian Kerr's World Cup hopes have been dashed

Several of the Irish squad are the wrong side of 30 and, with two years until the next European series, fresh faces may be required.

After 32 months at the helm, the Football Association of Ireland must now decide whether to hand Kerr an extension to his contract.

Kerr's prospects of being offered a new term do not look particularly bright. The Irish media, having hounded Mick McCarthy out, welcomed the choice of Kerr as his replacement in 2003, but things have now turned sour.

Early on in Kerr's tenure, everything was rosy as the Republic kicked off their World Cup campaign with a couple of wins, plus handy away draws against France and Switzerland.

Kerr wants to stay as Irish boss

Kerr wanted the key home matches against the French and Swiss towards the end of the qualifying bid, but it has not worked out.

Like every manager, things are fine when you are winning and you are complying with media requests.

But failure to beat Israel at home in June and the 1-0 defeat to France changed the landscape.

The manager's relationship with many of the journalists who cover the Republic has become strained and Kerr's efforts to open contract negotiations with the FAI have been unsuccessful.

Kerr has put a lot into the job which he cares passionately about but the criticism he has been getting in the newspapers appears to sway the officialdom of Merrion Square.

The Republic team is sure to undergo and major overhaul before the qualification series for Euro 2008 begins.

Roy Keane has announced his retirement from the international game and other senior members of the Irish squad could follow.

Another 34-year-old, skipper Kenny Cunningham, has also signalled that he has played his last game in a Republic shirt.

Ian Harte and Gary Breen, who had been hoping to bow out on the big stage of Germany 2006, must be nearing the end of their international careers as well.