In the wake of a disappointing Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, the Republic of Ireland have started the ball rolling on finding a new manager. The events of the past few months have shrouded the job as something of a poisoned chalice. A limited pool of players to choose from, average quality players and an expectation of the team from fans that sometimes exceeds the sum of their parts. Scotland have done well with the right man in place, so why not Ireland?

The criteria look obvious, based on the experiences of the past - both good and bad. The manager needs to have experience at Premier League or, ideally, international level. An eye for getting the best out of young player would be a bonus as this current squad has some hidden gems.

The man doesn’t have to be Irish; in the past even some of the players struggled to meet this requirement. A motivator as well as a tactician is something all modern mangers need to have in their locker. So, with that in mind, here is my twopence worth in relation to the names who have been mentioned and maybe some who haven’t.

'Scotland have done well with the right man in place, so why not Ireland?'

Paul Jewell: Young, ambitious, has Premier League experience with Wigan and looks to have a good bond with players. He is ideal in many ways but the lure of day-to-day club football may be too strong.

David O'Leary: Irish, good Premier League experience, but a question mark on how much of his relative success has been cash-fuelled. He is regarded as difficult to deal with by some past players and the media.

Gerard Houllier: He has a wealth of experience with Youth development in France. Top club experience with PSG, Liverpool and Lyon. Was technical director when France lifted the World Cup in 1998. The part-time nature of the job might suit him - but would he be too expensive for the FAI?