Czechia are making a push to bring in a former Premier League manager ahead of March’s World Cup play-offs.

Ireland will face the Czechs in Prague on March 26 in the first of – hopefully – two play-off matches.

The victors will then face either Denmark or North Macedonia for a spot at the World Cup, with Ireland guaranteed a home final if they win in Prague.

irelandIreland will face Czechia in Prague for the play-offs. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Czechia are currently without a manager, which could bode well for Ireland, but they are actively looking for an experienced boss to guide them to the World Cup.

The Czech FA originally planned to appoint Slavia Prague coach Jindřich Trpišovský to the role, but the deal collapsed when his club refused permission.

Pavel Nedved, who won the Ballon D’Or in 2003, is now the general manager of the Czech FA’s international department.

Ireland will have a home final if they win the semi-final. Pic: INPHO/Priscila Bütler

He said: ‘Trpišovský would be a logical and excellent alternative for the Czech national football team.

‘He is one of our most experienced and successful coaches and would certainly have undeniable authority among the players and the public.

‘In addition, he knows the Czech football environment and, of course, individual players very well.

CzechiaPic: Richard Sellers/Getty Images

‘It is a pity that this option could not be implemented. Our work on hiring a new coach for the Czech national team continues and further negotiations await us.’

Now, the FA are reportedly pushing to try and land former West Ham and Croatia boss Slaven Bilic.

It has been previously reported that Bilic was the second choice behind Trpišovský.

He managed Croatia at Euro 2012, overseeing a 3-1 victory over Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland in the group stage.

Bilic was also linked to replace Stephen Kenny before Heimir Hallgrímsson took charge of the Boys in Green.

Czechia sacked their manager, Ivan Hasek, in October following a shocking defeat to the Faroe Islands.

Bilic was among many names linked to the role but the FA have been taking their time with the appointment.

It is believed that they also held talks with ex-Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann, but were unable to meet his wage demands and other conditions.