Give Kerr a chance at top post, says Duff

AS Brian Kerr sat down with FAI officials yesterday and outlined where he would take Irish football in the immediate future, Damien Duff, one of his teenage stars from the mid-nineties, advocated giving the youth manager a chance as senior boss.

Kerr who has been installed as money-on favourite for the position was interviewed at a secret location

in Dublin as he flies out with his

under-20 squad for a four-nation tournament in the United Arab Emirates this afternoon, a warm-up for the World Youth Championships in March.

Kerr's biggest advantage over his rivals was believed to be that he had worked with most of the team and had their respect, a point Duff proves.

"Everyone knows what Brian Kerr has done for my career," Duff said in Dublin yesterday.

"He took me to Malaysia when I was three years younger than most of the lads. He is an absolute legend in the game Kerr's interview started a process that could be concluded within a week, according to one FAI source.

The three-man committee-comprising of acting general secretary Kevin Fahey, president Milo Corcoran and treasurer John Delaney-will meet the five other names on Hamilton's list over the coming week Other candidates thought to be short-listed include Kenny Dalglish, Philippe Troussier, Kevin Moran (with Brian Kidd), Peter Reid and Bryan Robson, who confirmed yesterday he hopes to become the new manager. Robson's position has always been strong because his Old Trafford connections would ensure a swift return to action for Roy Keane.

Whether the process is complete within a week or not, Duff said the players want a manager in place for the friendly with Scotland on February 12. The FAI wanted to take their time with this, but it is important we have a manager before that game," said the winger " Brian did a fantastic job at Manchester United. Things didn't work out for him at Blackburn, but he seems to be doing a good job at Leeds again. And I would have no problems working with him again," he said.

As for the possibility of a continental coach, Duff was unconcerned, although he did admit the unveiling of a new manager would probably herald a return to his favoured left wing.

"I don't know if it will make much of a difference if we get someone from the continent. Everyone knows our best system is 4-4-2 ," he said before agreeing a new manager will mean a return to the wing.

"Well, I never made any secret that the left wing is my preferred position."

Although it is not releasing a definite list of candidates, the FAI proclaimed itself pleased with the process so far. "Bryan Hamilton has met with our selection committee following an

extensive number of contacts with a wide-range of applicants and Bryan will continue his involvement through to the completion of this process."

Meanwhile, Packie Bonner is likely to succeed Kerr as FAI technical director.

Bonner was goalkeeping coach during Mick McCarthy's tenure and is thought to have beaten off competition that includes Noel King and UCC's Collingwood-winning coach, Canice Kennedy.