Dunne lets rip as Ireland's search for a new boss drags on

Ireland's player of the year Richard Dunne has launched a blistering attack on his own Football Association on the day they asked for a further 10 days to find their new manager.

Red Bull Salzburg manager Giovanni Trapattoni has emerged as the new favourite, and the FAI's three-man management search party of Don Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton want to meet the former Italy coach.

But with Givens in charge of the Republic of Ireland for this week's home friendly with Brazil, they have asked for more time.

The delay lessens Terry Venables's chances of succeeding Steve Staunton who was sacked in October.

He was the favourite, and the last man standing after Gerard Houllier, Paul Jewell, David O'Leary and Steve Coppell pulled out.

Speaking after picking up team sponsors eircom's player of the year, Manchester City captain Dunne said many senior players were considering international retirement as a result of the farce.

Dunne said: "We've got a maximum of three games before the World Cup starts and we should have a manager in for them, starting this week. We don't and that's not right. It's mad.

"The players are upset. It's been nearly four months now. It's clearly the wrong way to go about things.

"There should have been someone in today. There should have been someone in to pick the squad two weeks ago. It's frustrating. "The only good thing is that we're playing Brazil and you don't have to get yourself up for that. Don will do his best but he's not going to be our manager long term.

"I know players are thinking about stopping, the longer this goes on. If the FAI can't get themselves a manager then why should the players who train hard, try hard, and find things are not done right for us.

"It needs to be sorted out before more people go the way of Steve Finnan and Andy O'Brien. I'm not considering my position but like everyone else I'm annoyed.

"It's annoying because we keep hearing reports that it will be done this week, next week, the next ten days and that nothing happens."

Asked whether he would prefer Giovanni Trapattoni or Terry Venables, Dunne replied: "I'd prefer someone we could communicate with, like Terry Venables. I don't know what Trapattoni's English is like.

"We've only got two games after this so we need someone who can get his point across pretty quickly."

The players gathering in Dublin last night are considering calling a meeting with under-fire FAI chief executive John Delaney.

In November, Delaney met senior players before the final Euro 2008 qualifier in Cardiff and there is frustration among the squad that he has not delivered on the promises made that night.

Dunne added: "We might go down that way. We feel we're part of the team and should know what's going on. We're in the dark completely."

Delaney last night defended the process. He said: "According to Don Givens it will be fine and according to him it will be done in 10 days' time. That's good enough for me and good enough for the board.

"Of course I stand over the process – we're going to have a manager. Our next competitive game is not until September. It's important we get the right appointment. When the right appointment is made it will all calm down."