Gerard Houllier is being linked with the Republic job again

Don Givens, one of the headhunters for the role, told the FAI board that they required "more time" for the process.

Terry Venables has been the long-time favourite for the position but there is speculation that Gerard Houllier could be back in the frame for the role.

Liam Brady is also believed to be a genuine contender for the position.

Reports over the weekend claimed that former Liverpool manager Houllier had ruled himself out as a candidate but he is now believed to be in contention again.

There had been suggestions an appointment might be made at Tuesday's meeting in Dublin following earlier comments by FAI chief executive John Delaney.

However, the meeting broke up after almost five hours without any definitive announcement on a successor to Steve Staunton.

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An FAI statement said that "significant progress has been made but (the board) understands that more time is required before the panel return with a recommendation".

"The Board accepted that there had been positive engagement with a significant number of candidates," added the FAI statement.

"The Board is confident that the search for a new manager for the Republic of Ireland senior team will be concluded in the near future."

It is understood that Givens and his recruitment colleagues Don Howe and Ray Houghton have still to hold interviews with a couple of candidates, reported to be former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez and ex-Derby County boss Billy Davies.

David O'Leary ruled himself out of contention for the Republic job last week while several other candidates, including Graeme Souness, fell by the wayside during the protracted search for a successor to Staunton, who lost the job in late October.

Venables has said very little in relation to the Republic job but he was interviewed for the position earlier this month and he is said to have impressed Givens, Howe and Houghton.

However, there was increasing speculation on Tuesday that the former England manager could miss out on the Republic role.