Emma Byrne: No shortage of strong candidates to replace Vera Pauw

Emma Byrne reckons the FAI will have their pick of top-class managers queuing up to replace Vera Pauw.

The legendary keeper has been taken on as assistant coach under Eileen Gleeson, although the interim boss has ruled herself out of contention to take over on a permanent basis.

A decision hasn't yet been made on who will take charge of the back-to-back Nations League games against Albania at the end of this month.

"The next couple of days we'll probably be speaking," said Byrne. "They haven't announced any new managers so we're just guessing it's going to be us."

The FAI will be in no rush to make a long-term call after the Girls in Green got off to a winning Nations League start against Northern Ireland (3-0) and Hungary (4-0). They look short odds to gain promotion to League A before the year is out.

With those results, Byrne believes there will be no shortage of international candidates looking to apply for the role.

"It's a massive job. I don't know anyone who wouldn't want it, to be honest. The FAI could get who they wanted and I know people are interested in it.

"Ireland is a team that's on the up. When you've got world-class players, you get the attention of anyone in the football world."

Back in 2017, Byrne led the Irish players in a revolt against the FAI demanding basic entitlements. Six years later, she says the professional set-up is up to scratch to attract the right manager.

"It’s certainly very close to it. We’re in a great place. The staff are at the top of their game and everything is catered for.

"The next step is very important. We've gotten to a point where we're very happy where we're at. The opportunity the girls have, it's certainly an exciting time for women's football.

"It's not easy to get a manager that