Trapattoni and Venables are the leading contenders for the job

Red Bull Salzburg manager Trapattoni is expected to be interviewed for the job on Monday, amid reports that he has expressed firm interest.

However, Venables has said he is "still in the race" and he insisted that he would be fully focused on the role.

"I want the job and the FAI know that," Venables told the Sunday Independent.

Trapattoni has emerged as the Football Association of Ireland's first choice for the job although there remain doubts whether he will be able to agree terms to take the job.

Anyone who says I would not be fully committed to the job is talking absolute nonsense Terry Venables

His contract with Red Bull Salzburg doesn't finish until June but with the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign not starting until September, this wouldn't necessarily rule the Italian out of contention.

Venables has made clear that he remains very interested in the role despite the FAI's courting of Trapattoni.

"Anyone who says I would not be fully committed to the job is talking absolute nonsense," added the former England coach.

An appointment could be announced as early as Wednesday when headhunters Don Givens, Ray Houghton and Don Howe are scheduled to present their choice to the FAI board.

However, the process could yet again be delayed if there are complications in the negotiations with Trapattoni.

On the other hand, if it became clear early this week that Trapattoni was unable to commit to the role, then Venables' appointment would probably be announced on Wednesday.

Trapattoni's wage demands, including his backroom staff, are likely to be in excess of �2m per year which would be a massive leap from the salaries paid during Steve Staunton's reign.

However, there have been reports that the FAI might be able to access funding from private backers to help finance the Italian's appointment.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on the Republic's search for a manager

Last week, a Red Bull Salzburg spokesman insisted that Trapattoni would remain at the club until the end of this season.

"We are just concentrating on the winning of the (Austrian) title for the second time in a row," added Thomas Blazek.

"That's what Trapattoni wants and nothing else. There is nothing else to say at this time."

At the moment, the Republic are scheduled to play only two games before the World Cup qualifiers.

They face Serbia at Croke Park on 26 May and will take on Norway in Oslo in August.

There may be a concern that Trapattoni speaks very little English although this issue didn't stop Fabio Capello being appointed England boss.

The 68-year-old has a wealth of experience having coached AC Milan, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Benfica.