Stephen Kenny will take his time appointing a successor to Anthony Barry who quit Ireland today to join Belgium.
And the respected Chelsea coach’s first game with the world’s No 1-ranked side just happens to be against the Boys in Green on March 26.
Kenny found out on Thursday of last week that Barry had been offered the chance to join Belgium under boss Roberto Martinez.
The Englishman felt the prospect of working with the star-studded Red Devils at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar was too big an opportunity to turn down.
It leaves Kenny in a bind ahead of that March friendly as this is the second coach to quit the senior team in little over a year.
Barry - who helped Chelsea win the Champions League in May - was a leftfield successor to Damien Duff exactly a year ago, but he proved to be a revelation.
Highly-regarded by the Irish players - particularly around set pieces - he was credited with a leading role in turning the team’s fortunes around in the second half of 2021.
But Kenny must go back to the drawing board although sources insist he won’t rush a new appointment.
His patient approach after Duff’s shock departure paid dividends with Barry’s appointment, owing to a previous relationship with ex-Ireland scout Ruaidhri Higgins.
The Belgium clash in Dublin is seven weeks away and while Mirror Sport understands that Kenny’s preference is to have a new coach installed by then - it’s not essential.
Barry said: “I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team and really enjoyed working with Stephen and the entire backroom staff and players.
“I've been fortunate to work with some outstanding managers in my career and Stephen certainly falls into that bracket.
"The opportunity to move on to Belgium and to have the chance to take part in the World Cup Finals was one I felt I couldn't turn down.
“Of course, I wish all of the team the very best of luck for the future."
And Ireland boss Kenny said: "I'd like to thank Anthony for the positive contribution he has made over the past year with the players and staff alike
"Anthony had a great rapport with the staff and players, he was thought-provoking, an exceptional coach and a joy to work with.
“We respect his decision and he leaves with our best wishes."
Kenny held Barry in the highest regard, but was always reluctant to go overboard in his public praise of him over the last 12 months.
Whenever he was asked about Barry, he would quickly lavish praise on his assistant manager Keith Andrews and goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely too.
But the Ireland players left nobody in any doubt as to the importance they attached to Barry’s role on the training ground.
Defender John Egan said last summer: “He’s a top, top coach. The ideas he’s bringing into the camp are second to none.
“I can see why he’s at a club like Chelsea and it’s fantastic that we have him here. We’re all like sponges, trying to learn and improve.”
Ex-Sligo Rovers ace Danny Ventre is a pal of fellow Scouser Barry and told Mirror Sport: “He could speak to Presidents and Prime Ministers.
“Anthony can speak to all kinds and isn’t fazed by anyone. Loads of top players speak highly of him.”
And Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel - who inherited and kept Barry from the Frank Lampard era - last year spelled out what Ireland were getting - and now losing.
Tuchel said: “He’s a big character with a great quality analysing games. He’s a set-piece specialist. It’s good for Ireland because he’ll increase the level of coaching.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
