There is growing speculation that Brian Kerr is set to be appointed as the next Republic of Ireland manager.

FAI officials have confirmed that a successor to Mick McCarthy has been agreed.

Acting FAI general secretary Kevin Fahy, president Milo Corcoran and treasurer John Delaney conducted the interviews with the seven shortlisted candidates.

Frenchman Philippe Troussier is understood to have impressed hugely in his interview but FAI sources have indicated that Kerr has got the nod.

Kerr has not yet been officially informed that he has got the job but this is expected to happen over the weekend.

Officials could take a couple of days to sort out his contract details and it's likely that his appointment will be announced in midweek.

Bryan Robson: Likely to have missed out

The Dubliner's final act as Irish youth manager is likely to have been last week's U20 tournament in Abu Dhabi which Kerr's charges won.

Kerr is expected to appoint former Irish international and Tottenham full-back Chris Hughton as his assistant.

After a torrid eight months for the FAI which is continuing amid the row over a �100,000 payment to former boss Mick McCarthy, Kerr's appointment could bring some relief to the Irish governing body.

Kerr enjoys widespread popularity in the country after achieving remarkable successes with Irish underage teams.

His record includes guiding Ireland to third place in the World U20 Championship in 1997 and acheiving a European Championship double in 1998 at U17 and youth level.

Bryan Robson had been an early favourite for the job while the other candidates interviewed were Peter Reid, Frank Stapleton, Kevin Moran and John Aldridge.