The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are still scouring the managerial market as they strive to replace Stephen Kenny, who left his role after an abysmal 2024 European Championship qualifying campaign.
Although Ireland were drawn in a tough group alongside France, Netherlands, Greece and Gibraltar, they never looked like upsetting the odds.
The FAI have been searching for a new manager to fill the vacant role but have been thwarted in their attempt to lure Lee Carsley to the national team dugout.
Carsley's popularity witnessed an enormous surge after his exploits with England's U21 team, but the former Ireland international midfielder has rejected the FAI's advances.
The FA are still optimistic about convincing Carsley to take the job, considering he had previously expressed an interest in the role. But the Irishman continues to reiterate his commitment to England.
The 49-year-old has not stated his reason for turning down the Irish job, but his reluctance to take over the national team represents a major blow for the FAI, considering he has long been their primary target.
Speaking after the association’s latest monthly summit, FAI president Paul Cooke said: “No timeline at the moment. We will have a manager as soon as we identify the appropriate candidate and they accept that role. Numerous people have been identified.”
March Friendlies Looming Large
The FAI is running out of time to announce the next Ireland national team manager, with the Boys in Green set for friendly matches against Belgium and Switzerland next month.
Whoever takes the job will face a stern test in their opening games as the two Euro 2024 qualifiers prepare to storm the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Ireland will take on Belgium, who are positioned in fourth in the latest FIFA world rankings, on Saturday, March 23, while 18th ranked Switzerland are their opponents three days later.
Belgium have been drawn in Group E at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany and are joined by Slovakia, Romania and a winner from the play-offs. Switzerland are in Group A alongside Scotland, hosts Germany and Hungary.
The last time Belgium faced Ireland at the Aviva Stadium was in March 2022 for the FAI Centenary celebration match that served up an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Since then, both teams have embarked on distinctly different paths, and it will be intriguing to observe how Ireland handle the challenge posed by a continental powerhouse.
Switzerland will return to Dublin for the first time since September 2019, when David McGoldrick scored in the 85th minute to secure a 1-1 draw in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
The upcoming games will serve as dress rehearsals for Ireland ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
With the prestigious tournament just over two years away, football punters across the Emerald Isle will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on how they fare in the upcoming friendlies.
They are priced at 1001.00 on sports betting sites in Ireland to win the World Cup - odds which reflect the tough task faced by whoever takes the Irish job in the coming weeks.
Ireland have previously delivered decent performances against Belgium and Switzerland on home turf, but the odds are firmly stacked against them this time around.
How the Squad Might Look for the Upcoming Friendlies
Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher was in goal for Ireland's previous friendly 1-1 draw against New Zealand under Kenny's leadership.
However, Gavin Bazunu could return to the starting line-up. The Southampton stopper already has a wealth of experience with the national team under his belt after winning 20 caps. He has been in decent form this season.
Mark Travers is confined to the Bournemouth bench and is not guaranteed inclusion in the squad, which could hurt his chances of featuring for Ireland.
Nathan Collins has been a regular in defence for Brentford, although his performances have not inspired confidence. However, he should get the nod ahead of John Egan, who remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Seamus Coleman and Shane Duffy will add much-needed experience to a largely young squad and should be joined by Andrew Omobamidele, Dara O’Shea and Darragh Lenihan.
Matt Doherty, Mikey Johnston, Callum O’Dowda and Ryan Manning will provide flair on the flanks.
The Irish midfield will likely be built around Josh Cullen, who remains the engine driving Vincent Kompany’s Burnley and their quest to retain Premier League status.
He could reignite a partnership with Jeff Hendrick while the likes of Jayson Molumby, Will Smallbone, Conor Coventry, Joe Hodge, Alan Browne, Mark Sykes, Sammie Szmodics, Finn Azaz and Jason Knight will be eyeing a place in the team.
Evan Ferguson will undoubtedly be leading the line after his stellar performances for Brighton & Hove Albion this season.
Chidozie Ogbene has also been bright for Luton Town, while Michael Obafemi's displays on loan at Millwall will determine his fate in the Irish squad.
