IFA president Jim Boyce says high-profile candidates will apply

Sanchez returned to club management on Friday to take over Fulham on a full-time basis.

IFA president Jim Boyce is expecting a number of high-profile names to apply for the job.

"We are now in the best position we have ever been to qualify for the European Championships," said Boyce.

Northern Ireland are leading their Euro 2008 qualifying group and their next match is against Liechtenstein in August.

"There is going to be no panic or no knee-jerk reactions in the wake of Lawrie's departure," added the IFA president.

"We will sit down and analyse all the various candidates. But I cannot see anything being done until the end of June, the beginning of July.

"The IFA has to make sure it gets the right person in not only to keep Northern Ireland where it is but also to take it forward."

Boyce has virtually ruled out promoting someone from within their own network.

"There are good people within the IFA but we need a manager who is proven, " said Boyce.

"I know there are many people who would love this job but we have to realise our next game is not until August.

"It is vitally important we take our time and get the right man for the job, someone the players will respect."

Names being linked with the job include Jimmy Nicholl, Nigel Worthington, Jim Magilton and Iain Dowie while another former Northern Ireland international Colin Clarke has expressed interest in the post.