Ireland closing in on Carsley appointment
Lee Carsley is red-hot favourite to take over as Republic of Ireland boss.
England under-21 coach Carsley is set to be offered the job after the FAI meets next Tuesday to decide on their preferred candidate.
Bookmakers have suspended betting on Carsley who is expected to be given a four year contract worth £500,000-a-year to quit his current role with England under-21s who he led to last summer’s European Championships.
Birmingham-born Carsley, 49, who won 40 caps for Ireland through his Irish grandmother, is ready to succeed current boss Stephen Kenny.
Carsley was ready for a new challenge after last summer either in club football or with a step up having led the England under-21s to European glory.
He is being seen as the best choice to rebuild a squad and develop younger players. Carsley brought through the likes of Cole Palmer and Curtis Jones.
Former Ireland star Kevin Kilbane, a former team mate of Carsley, said: “It is no secret that I believe Lee Carsley can transform Irish football.
“I know him as a man and a coach as we played together for years at Everton and Ireland, scrapping away in midfield when Steve Staunton tried to qualify for Euro 2008.”
England Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley at a press conference (PA)