The FAI are pushing former Aston Villa and Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill for a decision over the national team post.

The Irish Independent says O'Neill is the preferred candidate to replace Giovanni Trapattoni and knows the FAI want an answer from him by the end of the week so they can press ahead.

Crystal Palace are keen on his services and they chatted with him over the weekend, but the Eagles acknowledge that he has reservations about the job.

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