Republic of Ireland under-21 boss Don Givens and former England coach and Arsenal manager Don Howe are confirmed as the 'headhunters' charged by the FAI with finding Steve Staunton's successor.

FAI chief executive John Delaney, president David Blood, honorary secretary Michael Cody and treasurer Eddie Murray met the pair in London today to outline conditions for the vacant job.

Their appointments do not come as a surprise as it had been widely reported that both would play key roles in the process.

But, it was initially envisaged the recruitment panel would consist of three members but former Ireland captain Andy Townsend ruled himself out of contention this week having been linked with a role.

However, the FAI said the panel could yet be added to if deemed necessary.

Givens and Howe are likely to meet Terry Venables next week to discuss the vacancy.

The former England manager is favourite to succeed Staunton and known to be keen on the role.  His hand is also strengthened by the fact he holds long-standing relationships with both Givens and Howe.

Givens was a team-mate of Venables at QPR in the 1970s and the pair remain friendly.  Howe, meanwhile, was part of the Londoner's backroom staff in the England set-up during Euro 96.

Delaney, it is believed, is keen to see Venables appointed.

"We are delighted that we have found two extremely credible football men known throughout the game for their honesty and integrity," said Blood of the appointments.

"They will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure that we get the best person for the job," he said.

Givens and Howe will now draft a list of candidates and conduct interviews in the coming weeks.  They are also expected to meet Gerard Houllier, Roy Hodgson, Graeme Souness and David O'Leary.

Dutchman Arie Haan also expressed his interest in the vacant position this week.  Whether he is granted an interview remains to be seen but it is believed he was sounded out by the FAI prior to Staunton's appointment.

Hodgson - a manager with considerable experience at club and international level - resigned as Finland manager today having narrowly failed to qualify for next summer's European finals.

However, if the FAI are interested in the 60-year-old they would want to move swiftly.

Hodgson indicated today he will move to Italy after Christmas to take up a non-managerial role at Inter Milan working alongside club chairman Massimo Moratti.

"If a national team wanted to have me they would have to be a) very quick and b) persuade the president to get rid of me before he even takes me on," Hodgson said.

"They (Ireland) would have to contact me if they were interested," he added. "I feel these days that with so many jobs open that every time you open your mouth you're either turning it down or claiming you want it, and I don't want to do either.

"I could never say no to things, it would be very foolish to claim you wouldn't be interested."

Once Givens and Howe exhaust the interview process they will make a recommendation to the FAI who will rubber stamp the appointment.

This selection process has come about after Delaney chose to wash his hands of direct involvement following his role in Staunton's appointment.

Delaney headed the three-man committee that put the rookie manager in charge but drew criticism for failing to produce the "world class" manager he had promised following Brian Kerr's departure.

Givens, who acted as caretaker manager for Ireland's final Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales, said he was "delighted" to play a role in the appointment of the next manager.

"I feel I have a good knowledge of what the job entails having worked with the three previous senior team managers and having been in charge of the current squad for the recent game against Wales."

Howe (72) said he was "honoured" to be approached the FAI.