The new Republic of Ireland boss may be unveiled as soon as this Friday.

Reports from Dublin on Wednesday evening indicated that the Football Association of Ireland board may be asked to ratify the new manager on Friday afternoon.

FAI officers Milo Corcoran, John Delaney and Kevin Fahey are conducting the final round of interviews this week to select a successor to Mick McCarthy.

Brian Kerr was interviewed last week before heading to the Middle East where he is managing the Irish U20 team at a tournament.

It's thought that six other candidates are being interviewed this week after being shortlisted for the job by the FAI's managerial advisor Bryan Hamilton.

Bryan Robson, Philippe Troussier, Peter Reid, Kevin Moran, Kenny Dalglish and John Aldridge are believed to be the other men in contention.

Robson has been the bookies' favourite for the position although FAI director of football Kerr appears to have a lot of support from the Irish public.

Despite intense speculation, the FAI has not made any official comment on the interview process.