FAI General Secretary Bernard O'Byrne has described as "fiction" suggestions that former Republic of Ireland manager Eoin Hand is to be offered the post of international under-21 coach when Ian Evans's contract expires in February.
O'Byrne says that the question of Evans's future had not arisen during early talks with Mick McCarthy regarding his own proposed contract extension and that it is intended the association will hold talks with the Welshman after that deal is concluded.
"It was always envisaged that we would talk to Ian over the next six weeks or so and that is still what I see happening. Ian's position hasn't been an issue so far but it would be pointless appointing a manager and then not allowing him to appoint his own technical staff. So at this stage I would expect that Ian's contract would be renewed."
Former Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic defender John McDonnell, meanwhile, says he expects to be a National League player again after the weekend with several clubs believed to be interested in signing the 34-year-old who resigned as Newry Town player-manager last weekend.
The Dubliner had an impressive stint as boss at the Irish League club, leading them to two home wins in the InterToto cup and leaving leaving them second in the table, felt the workload was too heavy for a Dublin based manager.
