DUBLIN, Jan 10 (SW) – According to speculation, Walsall assistant manager Steve Staunton is set to be unveiled as the new Republic of Ireland manager.

It is understood that the Football Association of Ireland have met on several occasions with Staunton, proposing that he take over the team with a mentor figure in support.

The FAI are said to favour former Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson for the role, but it is yet unknown whether he would be willing and able to commit to the role.

Staunton is the Republic’s most capped player, having represented his country on 102 occasions.

Walsall boss Paul Merson has backed the appointment, previously saying: “He is respected in Ireland and I think the fans would want it.

“I’d back him. Everybody who plays football would love to manage their country one day, so, if it came along, of course I’d let him go. No worries about that.”

The former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Coventry player would replace former manager Brian Kerr who was not awarded a contract renewal after the Republic’s failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.