New Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is said to have had a positive meeting with West Ham star Declan Rice.
Reports claim Robbie Keane was also present when talks were head in London this week.
Rice, who has played three international friendlies for the Boys in Green, has been considering switching allegiance to England.
The F-A-I are now said to be confident Rice will pledge his future to Ireland.
Meanwhile, cross channel - Liverpool will extend their Premier League lead to 4 points if they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux tonight.
Victory will also keep the Reds at the top of the table for Christmas, whatever Manchester City's result against Crystal Palace tomorrow.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says they can't be distracted by Pep Guardiola's team
Kick off is at 8 o'clock.
Liverpool are unbeaten in 18 #PL matches – their longest ever run in the competition#WOLLIV pic.twitter.com/SlukGAgGIU
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2018
