The FA are confident Lee Carsley will STAY in England setup despite links with Republic of Ireland job… with Irish FA targeting Young Lions boss as Stephen Kenny’s replacement

The FAI’s pursuit of Lee Carsley as the head coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team was in danger of stalling on Thursday night. 

Reports on Thursday suggested the former Ireland midfielder was to be ratified by the FAI board next Tuesday after a two-month search for Stephen Kenny’s successor, and bookmakers stopped taking bets on the market.

The FAI head-hunters, director of football Marc Canham, CEO Jonathan Hill and independent director Packie Bonner, have been in England this week as the recruitment end-game heightens. 

However, according to sources in the English FA, no official approach has been made by the FAI for formal permission to speak to Carsley, England Under 21s manager. 

And Mail Sport understands the FA is confident Carsley will continue working for it. 

Mail Sport understands the FA is confident Carsley will stay in the England setup

Carsley has been carrying out his duties as normal, attending the Carabao Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Middlesbrough on Tuesday. 

The U21s have a double-header in March with the FA referencing ‘Lee Carsley’s squad’ on their website on Thursday. 

Neil Lennon is still on the FAI short-list, hasn’t given up landing the job and as of last night, was unaware of any decision being made by the FAI. 

He has been told he will hear back from the FAI after speaking to it last month. It appears the former Celtic manager is the FAI’s alternative should they miss out on Carsley.