Jimmy Nicholl is favourite to take over as NI manager

Nicholl and Sanchez were the only two candidates seen by officials at the IFA's Belfast headquarters on Monday.

Nicholl, assistant manager at Dunfermline Athletic, is favourite to succeed his former Manchester United team-mate, Sammy McIlroy.

The new man's first match will be the 18 February friendly at home to Norway.

Nicholl, who moved to Rangers after his United days, played for Northern Ireland from 1976 to 1986, winning 73 caps in the glory era under Billy Bingham.

As a manager, he led Raith Rovers to a famous victory over Celtic in the final of the 1994-95 Scottish League Cup.

Nicholl would be a popular appointment with NI fans but he has made it clear he would only take the job on a full-time basis.

The Irish Football Association would also have to compensate Dunfermline as he is under contract with the Scottish Premier Division club.

Sanchez, who won three Northern Ireland caps, is famous for two memorable FA Cup exploits.

He scored Wimbledon's winner in the shock win over Liverpool in the 1988 final and then, as a manager, took Wycombe Wanderers to the semi-finals in 2001.

It is believed Sanchez, who cut his teeth in management with League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers, would accept the post on a part-time basis.

After Monday's interviews, IFA president Jimmy Boyce said the international committee would reconvene on Thursday after which an announcement would be made.