Gary Owens favourite for FAI CEO role as eight candidates to be interviewed

Sarah Keane a strong rival as interview panel to complete initial meetings by tomorrow

Gary Owens: Has held the role of FAI interim chief executive  since January.. Picture: Tommy Dickson/Inpho

Eight candidates for the position of FAI permanent chief executive will be interviewed over the next 48 hours by a panel including a Uefa observer.

Gary Owens, who has held the post on an interim basis since January, is favourite to take the vacancy but it’s understood Sarah Keane has emerged as the strongest of the rivals.