SOCCER:FAI board members were told last night they could expect to be called together again this side of the Brazil game in two weeks' time to receive a recommendation on who should succeed Steve Staunton as manager of the Ireland football team.

At their meeting in Abbotstown last night, Don Givens told them that while the recruitment process has reached an advanced stage he, Don Howe and Ray Houghton have a couple of candidates still to interview and need a little more time.

The briefing came against a backdrop of unconfirmed reports Liam Brady had been offered but declined the post of elite performance director and that Gerard Houllier, who has dropped out of this weekend's coaching conference in Dundalk for personal reasons, had left Givens and co unclear as to the extent of his interest in the manager's job but that they were keen to obtain clarification from the Frenchman before making their decision.

Sources close to Terry Venables have confirmed, however, he is still a candidate and that would be likely to change quickly if the Londoner had any inkling he was no longer in with a strong chance.

In a statement issued last night the association said only the board was "satisfied that significant progress has been made but understands that more time is required before the panel return with a recommendation", adding the board accepted there had been "positive engagement" with a number of candidates.

"The board," the statement continued, "is confident that the search for a new manager for the Republic of Ireland . . . will be concluded in the near future."

Meanwhile, Steve Finnan announced his retirement from international football yesterday, two days before Givens is due to name the Ireland squad for the friendly against Brazil in Dublin next month. The 31-year-old had played 50 times for the Republic, scoring twice, most memorably against Cyprus at Croke Park recently when his late equaliser averted what might have been Ireland's worst ever home defeat in a competitive game.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in the team, with the World Cup in 2002 being the highlight of my international career," Finnan said in a statement released through his club yesterday.

"There will be a new manager coming in soon who will have his own ideas for the future, with younger players having the chance to stake their claim."

Finnan is reported as having decided that this is the time to go on the basis that he will be 34 by the time the next World Cup comes around.

The defender had denied in October having plans to call it a day after the European Championship campaign and said he would weigh things up as he saw fit.

He signed a new two-year deal with Liverpool last summer and that contract contains an option for a further season, and his decision may have been influenced by a desire to extend his Anfield career as far as possible.

The uncertainty over the Ireland manager may not have helped, though he might have at least expected Steve Staunton's successor, whoever that might be, would play him in his preferred position of right back.

Finnan had revealed last autumn that Staunton had never spoken to him about the decision to play him at left back and John O'Shea at right back when the two were fit and available.

His retirement comes only weeks after Steve Carr announced he too had played his last game for the Republic.

Staunton was not the first Ireland manager to avail of the Limerick-born defender's versatility, Brian Kerr having used him to good effect on the right side of midfield in a number of important games in his time in charge.

The highlight of his international career will be remembered as the succession of solid displays he turned in at the World Cup in 2002 but he has remained one of the side's foundations in the years since, and despite his age and apparent desire to concentrate on his club career the new Ireland manager is almost certain to pay a visit in the hope of persuading him to reconsider.

A string of established internationals, including Barcelona's Ronaldinho, have been omitted from the Brazil squad for the trip to Dublin, the coach, Dunga, opting to hand senior experience to some rising stars as they prepare for the Beijing Olympics.

Ronaldinho, who has been plagued by injury this year, will be the most high-profile absentee.

Arsenal's Gilberto Silva, Milan's Kaka and Julio Baptista are among the familiar names in the 22 named yesterday while premier league new boys Alex of Chelsea and Manchester United's Anderson are also included.

But the game, on February 6th, will also provide Irish supporters with the chance to see the likes of Alexandre Pato, also of Milan, Sao Paulo midfielder Richarlyson and Liverpool's rising 21-year-old star, Lucas Leiva in action.

"I named players of Olympic age before," said Dunga. "It's important for them to gain experience in the national team."

BRAZIL SQUAD:Julio Cesar (Internazionale), Renan (Internacional); Maicon (Internazionale), Rafinha (Schalke), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Lucio, Breno (both Bayern Munich), Luisao (Benfica), Alex (Chelsea); Kaka (AC Milan), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Josue (Wolfsburg), Lucas (Liverpool), Richarlyson (Sao Paulo), Anderson (Manchester Utd), Thiago Neves (Fluminense), Julio Baptista, Robinho, Luis Fabiano (all Real Madrid), Rafael Sobis (Betis), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan).