Tuesday 28 June 2016 13:20, UK
Seamus Coleman says the new-look Republic of Ireland team has a bright future - and is desperate for manager Martin O'Neill to guide them.
The 64-year-old, assistant Roy Keane and the rest of the staff agreed new deals on the eve of the Euro 2016 finals, but are yet to put pen to paper.
O'Neill confirmed on Monday that he intends to carry on - provided the FAI are happy - and wants Keane to be alongside him.
But having seen them guide their side to within a whisker of the quarter-finals after Sunday's battling 2-1 defeat by hosts France, Coleman, named captain both at the weekend and for the famous 1-0 victory over Italy, is hoping an extended stay can pay greater dividends.
The 27-year-old Everton full-back said: "I can't speak highly enough of both of them.
"Martin is the kind of manager that you really want to go out and do your best for him. He's a great motivator, great manager.
"It would be great if he could stay on because we've learned a lot from him."
O'Neill and Keane have ushered in something of a changing of the guard during their three weeks in France with vastly-experienced trio Shay Given, John O'Shea and Robbie Keane, who have amassed 390 caps between them, playing largely peripheral roles as the tournament took shape.
At the same time, Shane Duffy, Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady have emerged from the ranks to prove their ability to play at the highest level with Norwich winger Brady in particular making his mark with a dramatic late winner against Italy and a coolly-taken penalty which left France fighting for their lives at the Stade de Lyon.
He too is keen for O'Neill and Keane to continue the mission they launched some two and a half years ago.
Brady said: "I think it's very important. I think they've installed something into the team, installed belief and having us organised and wanting us to play a certain way, and I think that's shown here.
"To lock horns with some of the best teams in the world and give more than a good account of ourselves is a great credit to ourselves and the staff. I'll be delighted if they manage to get it done."
