But former Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson has emerged as the bookies' favourite for the post.

Aldridge and Kinnear - who represented the Republic as players - have joined the list of contenders lining up to replace McCarthy, who has stepped down after more than six years.

Kinnear is currently in charge at Luton Town, while Aldridge is waiting to re-enter management after leaving Tranmere Rovers.

John Toshack had been heavily tipped as a possible target, but he ruled himself out of the running on Thursday evening by taking over at Italian Serie B club Catania.

The Football Association of Ireland general secretary Brendan Menton said: "Our objective is to find the best manager who can build on what Mick had done.

"This is a very good, young team and it is a very exciting time for Irish international football and one of the things we are going to look at is bringing in outside expertise to help in the appointment process.

"Our objective has to be to have a top-class manager in place by 1 February for our friendly against Scotland and someone who will ensure we qualify for Euro 2004.

"We would consider a foreign coach. We have spoken to nobody and there is no short list and there are no favourites at this stage.

"We have established no criteria at this stage but we are not going to rule anybody out on nationality.

"I think it is absolutely important we get a top-class international coach who will build on our recent success and what Mick has achieved."

Aldridge, who played for the Republic in 1990 and 1994 World Cups and has been linked as part of a team with Ray Houghton, said: "I've always stated that I would be delighted to manage my country, and it is a fantastic job for anyone to be associated with.