The Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney will meet international consultant Bobby Robson next week to discuss his future within Steve Staunton's international set-up.

Robson was appointed to an advisory role within Staunton's regime earlier this year, and his importance within the backroom team, given Staunton's lack of management experienced, could hardly have been overstated.

However, health issues have meant the former England manager missed the games against Holland and Germany over the past two months, and he will also sit out the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and the Czech Republic over the next week.

Speculation that he will not be able to fulfil his contractual duties has increased, and FAI chief Delaney will broach the issue in a meeting with Robson late next week.

He said: "When I sit with him next Thursday or Friday, we will have an open discussion and take it from there."