Republic decision 'imminent'

Reports suggested Italian Giovanni Trapattoni had emerged as favourite for the post vacated by Steve Staunton last October after a poor Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.Former England manager Terry Venables, who also worked as assistant coach to Steve McClaren, has also been linked with the position.But the FAI confirmed the recruitment process was ongoing after a meeting on Sunday evening.An FAI statement read: "Don Givens, the chairman of the selection panel set up to recruit the next manager of the Republic of Ireland senior international team, met with the board of management of the Football Association of Ireland to update them on the process."He gave the 10 board members a progress report on the work done by himself and the other members of the selection panel, Ray Houghton and Don Howe, since he last spoke to the board."He indicated the panel'swork will be completed within 10 days and that an appointment is imminent."The board expressed their satisfaction with the progress report."Staunton believes Trapattoni would provide quite a contrast if appointed as his successor.The Italian, who is currently in charge of Austrian club Salzburg, would bring a wealth of experience having coached Italy, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Benfica.Yet Staunton believes important questions of his credentials would still need to be asked before an appointment could be made.