Martin O'Neill has emerged as a shock candidate for the Australia post which will be vacated by Guus Hiddink after the World Cup.

However, O'Neill will only be offered the job if first choice target Gerard Houllier rejects the chance to take over.

Houllier has a year left on his Lyon contract and the Football Federation Australia have given him until July 10 to make his decision.

O'Neill was considered for the England job but the FA opted for Steve McClaren, and he was also linked with posts at Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

However, the ex-Celtic boss is still out of work after leaving Parkhead due to his wife Geraldine's ill health.

FFA chief executive John O'Neill admitted:"He is somebody we plan to talk to in the near future".

"He's obviously of a high calibre and after a spell out of the game is back on the job market.

"He was one we looked at before Guus Hiddink accepted the job and we are keen to meet him and discuss what he might bring to the job."

However he also said that they would not be rushed into a decision, and it would be wise to 'let the dust settle after the World Cup' before making any appointment.

It is also understood that Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has expressed an interest in the job.