Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney is coy over the prospect of Manchester United legend Roy Keane taking the Republic of Ireland job.
The former Sunderland manager has been linked with the post since Giovanni Trapattoni's sacking.
Delaney said: "It would be an interesting appointment, but it's probably inappropriate for me to comment on individuals because if I start talking about one being ruled in or ruled out, that wouldn't be correct for me.
"We are going to get a new manager and that manager's objectives will be to get us to the European Championship in 2016.
"Football, as we all know, tends to surprise us, but I wouldn't read anything in to someone being a favourite or not being a favourite."
