Manager search rumbles on - will John O'Shea throw his hat into the ring?

One obstacle – a boulder in fact – facing the FAI in prising Bilić from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Fateh is compensation payable.

SEARCH CONTINUES: All eyes and ears will be on John O’Shea today when he’s asked for his interest levels in upgrading his caretaker role as Ireland manager to permanent status. Pic: Adam Peck

All eyes and ears will be on John O’Shea today when he’s asked for his interest levels in upgrading his caretaker role as Ireland manager to permanent status.

The five-time Premier League winner and Ireland centurion was well down the pecking order of candidates when his boss Stephen Kenny was dethroned in November but the FAI’s inability to land top choice Lee Carsley for the vacancy triggered a rethink as the 100-day search loomed last week.