FAI close on Ireland decision as Gleeson stays coy

The FAI are expected to name the new permanent manager of the Republic of Ireland women's team in the next few weeks.

In October the association's CEO Jonathan Hill said they had a list of 12 candidates that they intended to whittle down to three, with Eileen Gleeson overseeing the UEFA Nations League campaign on an interim basis.

Gleeson was initially emphatic about her intention to return to her role as head of women's and girls' football once a permanent replaced for Vera Pauw was found, but the Dubliner has shied away from completely ruling herself out more recently.

Last week after she named her squad for the games against Hungary and Northern Ireland, Gleeson was asked if she was 100% out of the running. "I am 100% not answering," she replied. "I don't know how many times I can answer the same thing."

Yesterday, she remained coy, clearly frustrated with having to field repeated questions about the prospect of her taking on the gig but also reluctant to absolutely confirm she's not interested.

"I think it will be sorted soon enough," Gleeson replied when asked if she anticipated an update soon.

Hill has previously said the FAI "would like to be able to announce as soon as possible after the final Nations League game". That remains the case, with white smoke likely a week or two after the current window ends following Tuesday's trip to Belfast to play the North.

Meanwhile Gleeson is aiming to make it six wins from six as a busy year comes to an end. She's been keen to flush younger faces into the squad, with Peamount United trio Erin McLaughlin, Ellen Dolan and Freya Healy all named among her attackers.

That's left no room for Amber Barrett, who's been in good form with Standard Liege in the Belgian league. Even after Emily