The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have ruled out Roberto Di Matteo as a candidate for the national team's next permanent manager.
Di Matteo, who won the Champions League as interim coach with Chelsea in 2012, watched Ireland's friendly against Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night alongside FAI CEO Jonathan Hill.
The sight of the pair together swiftly led to speculation the former Italy international could be installed as Stephen Kenny's replacement with odds on him being installed as Ireland's new manager slashed from 80-1 to 20-1.
But the FAI subsequently confirmed to reporters that the former West Bromwich and Aston Villa boss was not in the running for the job.