Former Northern Ireland manager Bryan Hamilton has agreed to assist the Football Association of Ireland in finding a new manager.

Hamilton, whose named was linked recently with the vacant Ipswich post before Joe Royal moved in, will help in the process of recruiting Mick McCarthy's successor.

Among the names linked with the post are Bryan Robson, Philippe Troussier, Peter Reid and Kenny Dalglish.

The Republic of Ireland technical director Brian Kerr has also officially thrown his name into the hat.

Bryan has a wealth of experience not just as a former international, but he also has a great knowledge of the game FAI president Milo Corcoran

The Belfast-born Hamilton comes with a background stepped in football.

He is in an experienced coach, having managed Northern Ireland team as well as Leicester, Wigan and Norwich.

The other members of the committee are FAI president Milo Corcoran, acting general secretary Kevin Fahy and honorary treasurer John Delaney.

"Bryan has a wealth of experience not just as a former international, but he also has a great knowledge of the game," said Corcoran.

The committee will be working to ensure that a new man is in place before the Republic of Ireland�s next Euro 2004 qualifier away to Georgia on 29 March.

The Republic desperately need to win after defeats to Russia and Switzerland in their opening two games.